Establishes funding for the Natural Healing Research Foundation to continue its natural healing and plant-based healing research programs and health education. Makes an appropriation.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that integrating proven natural healing practices with conventional medicine is important to the future of health care in Hawaii. The mission of the Natural Healing Research Foundation (NHRF) is to research natural and plant-based healing practices that complement conventional medicine and to promote education and awareness of the benefits of natural healing.

The NHRF has received an unprecedented level of support for its work and benefit to the community. Through the support of Senator Akaka, Governor Lingle, and the previous legislature, the NHRF has obtained ten acres of land in Haiku, Oahu in order to continue its important mission.

The Haiku property will serve as headquarters for the NHRF to engage in a critical pilot research program with the University of Hawaii. This program will research diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, asthma, and obesity, that afflict a disproportionate number of Hawaiians. Additionally, the NHRF will partner with Hawaiian health organizations and local hospitals to offer programs which incorporate its research of natural healing and the benefits to Hawaiians in high-risk groups.

The NHRF will continue its educational mission by constructing an herbal garden based on healing properties of different plants, trees, and vegetables. This garden will serve as a live, educational museum in which visitors will learn how different plants can positively affect their health, prevent cancer, assist in cures, and be integrated into conventional medical treatments.

The purpose of this Act is to demonstrate strong legislative support for the importance of natural healing research in Hawaii and to promote education and awareness of proven plant-based natural healing practices by making an appropriation to the Natural Healing Research Foundation.

SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $1,000,000, or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2006-2007, as a grant pursuant to chapter 42F, Hawaii Revised Statutes, for the Natural Healing Research Foundation to continue its natural healing and plant-based healing research programs and health education.

SECTION 3. The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of health for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2006.