STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2288

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 3132

S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Health and Human Services, to which was referred S.B. No. 3132 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO SYNDROMIC SURVEILLANCE,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to:

(1) Require hospitals with emergency departments that are licensed in the State to submit syndromic surveillance data to the Department of Health; and

(2) Authorize the Department of Health to establish a syndromic surveillance system under state jurisdiction that is independent of federal systems.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Health, State Health Planning and Development Agency, Healthcare Association of Hawaii, Hawaiʻi Pacific Health, Pew Charitable Trusts, and one individual.

Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from three individuals.

Your Committee received comments on this measure from one individual.

Your Committee finds that syndromic surveillance is the analysis of health-related data from events that affect health status and outcomes for public health purposes, which is critical to enable public health officials to detect and respond to health threats and disease trends. The effectiveness of syndromic surveillance systems has been demonstrated in the State in a variety of events, including wildfires, volcanic eruptions, and disease outbreaks. Your Committee further finds that the Department of Health currently relies largely on a federally administered syndromic surveillance system where participation is voluntary. This voluntary participation leaves gaps, especially in rural areas, and limits the State's ability to tailor analyses to local needs and disparities. This measure will allow the State to operate independently of federal syndromic surveillance systems to detect threats earlier, respond faster, and direct guidance and resources where they are most needed.

Your Committee has amended this measure by making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity and consistency.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Health and Human Services that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 3132, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 3132, S.D. 1, and be referred to your Committees on Judiciary and Ways and Means.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Health and Human Services,

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JOY A. SAN BUENAVENTURA, Chair