STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2247-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2026

RE: S.C.R. No. 182

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Madame:

Your Committee on Health, to which was referred S.C.R. No. 182 entitled:

"SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE GOVERNOR AND THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO ENGAGE WITH THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE AND OTHER FEDERAL AND MILITARY PARTNERS TO EXPLORE ESTABLISHING A MILITARY-CIVILIAN TRAUMA PARTNERSHIP TO STRENGTHEN THE HAWAII TRAUMA SYSTEM,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to request the Governor and Department of Health to engage with the United States Department of Defense and other federal and military partners to explore the establishment of a military-civilian trauma partnership to strengthen the Hawaii trauma system.

Your Committee did not receive any written testimony on this measure.

Your Committee finds that traumatic injury remains a leading cause of death and disability in the State, with residents of the neighbor islands facing heightened risk due to geographic isolation, limited access to specialty trauma services, and prolonged transfer times for definitive care. Your Committee further finds that although the State has made progress in strengthening its trauma system, Hawaii continues to face capacity challenges related to trauma center availability, specialty resources, and system funding. Your Committee believes that partnering with Tripler Army Medical Center, which is designated as a level II trauma center, to allow civilians to receive critical care will significantly improve survival outcomes, prevent long‑term disability, and reduce avoidable health care costs. Your Committee therefore supports efforts to enhance coordination and capacity within the Hawaii Trauma System through collaboration with federal and military partners to improve access to timely, high‑quality trauma care statewide.

Your Committee notes that during discussions at the public hearing on this measure, a suggestion was made to amend this measure to reflect the renaming of the Department of Defense to the Department of War pursuant to Executive Order 14347. Your Committee additionally notes that Congress has yet to take action to officially rename the Department of Defense as the Department of War.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Health that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of S.C.R. No. 182 and recommends its adoption.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Health,

____________________________

GREGG TAKAYAMA, Chair