Creates a revolving fund for developing and assisting the development of healthcare and biomedical technology to detect cancer, including cervical cancer, in its early stages. (CD1)

A BILL FOR AN ACT

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that subsequent to the establishment of the Hawaii tobacco settlement special fund in 1999, and various amendments to the cigarette and tobacco tax law codified in chapter 245, Hawaii Revised Statutes, much has been done to further cancer prevention in Hawaii. However, we must increase its efforts in the area of early cancer detection and possible cures for skin and other types of cancer through the work of the Cancer Research Center of Hawaii and other private initiatives located in the State.

The legislature finds that the high technology sector of our economy has spawned many exciting enterprises that are involved in medical research and development. One such initiative is working toward securing approval from the federal Food and Drug Administration for a non-invasive method of detecting skin and cervical cancers utilizing hyper-spectral diagnostic imaging. This technology reportedly detects cervical cancer by capturing the unique color fingerprint of different types of cells. Pre-cancerous and cancer cells have a larger blood flow than normal tissue and thus appear as different colors. The technology can distinguish nearly three hundred separate colors compared to the red, blue, and green recorded by ordinary cameras and can create a photograph of the cervix with detail not seen through a microscope. This technology was developed in Hawaii and should be encouraged with the support of state and federal funding.

The legislature further finds that it is in the interest of the public health and welfare, as well as in the interest of the State's economy, to support Hawaii-based companies that can contribute to the health and well-being of all, including the State's residents.

The purpose of this Act is to establish a revolving fund to support Hawaii-based development of healthcare and biomedical technology to detect cancer in its early stages.

SECTION 2. Chapter 211F, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§211F- Cancer detection development revolving fund; establishment. (a) There is established the cancer detection development revolving fund to be administered by the Hawaii strategic development corporation to assist enterprises that develop healthcare and biomedical technology to detect cancer, including cervical cancer, in its early stages.

(b) The fund shall not be considered part of the general fund and shall consist of moneys:

SECTION 3. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.