Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2005

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Health, to which was referred S.C.R. No. 109 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to make educational materials available on diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of hepatitis C to all veterans, physicians, other health care providers, and other persons at high risk for hepatitis C.

The Legislative Information Services of Hawaii, the Hepatitis Hale Treatment & Support Program, the American Liver Foundation, the Statewide Independent Living Council of Hawai'i, the West O'ahu Hope for a Cure Foundation, members of We Are All Downwind, and five individuals submitted testimony in support of this measure. The Department of Health and the Department of Defense submitted comments.

According to the Hepatitis Hale Treatment & Support Program, approximately 10,000 people are reported as having tested positive for hepatitis C. It is estimated that thousands more may be unaware that they are infected because they are not experiencing symptoms and therefore may unknowingly spread the infection to others. Even health care workers need to be educated regarding diagnosis, treatment interventions, referrals, and prevention of this chronic disease.

Upon further consideration, your Committee has amended this measure by:

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. 109, as amended herein, and recommends its adoption in the form attached hereto as S.C.R. No. 109, S.D. 1.