HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.R. NO.	7
TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2008		H.D. 1
STATE OF HAWAII

HOUSE RESOLUTION

 A RESOLUTION TO COMMEMORATE MARCH 13 AS WORLD KIDNEY DAY AND THE MONTH OF MARCH AS KIDNEY AWARENESS MONTH IN THE STATE OF HAWAII.

     WHEREAS, healthy kidneys are essential for processing 200 quarts of blood per day to remove fluids, wastes, and toxins from the body and release hormones to regulate blood pressure, make red blood cells, and promote strong bones; and

     WHEREAS, more than 156,000 Hawaii residents or 1 in 7 adults suffer from chronic kidney disease; and

     WHEREAS, of the 2,400 Hawaii residents afflicted with kidney failure, the majority are Native Hawaiians, Filipinos, Japanese, Chinese, and Pacific Islanders; and

     WHEREAS, the two main causes of chronic kidney disease that account for more than 70 percent of all cases, are diabetes and high blood pressure; and

     WHEREAS, obesity and inactivity caused 1 in 3 children born in 2000 to develop diabetes and become at-risk for kidney disease; and

     WHEREAS, the National Kidney Foundation of Hawaii, St. Francis Healthcare System of Hawaii and Clinical Laboratories of Hawaii are partnering to prevent kidney disease, improve the quality of life for those living with it, and promote early detection to prevent the progression from kidney disease to kidney failure, which requires dialysis or a kidney transplant to maintain life; and

     WHEREAS, the cost of treatment of kidney disease patients is disproportionately higher than that of any other chronic disease; and

     WHEREAS, with the help of dedicated volunteers and supporters across the state, the National Kidney Foundation of Hawaii and St. Francis Healthcare System of Hawaii have continuously served the people of Hawaii for 20 years and 125 years respectively; now, therefore,

     BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Twenty-fourth Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2008, that we observe March 13, 2008 as World Kidney Day and the month of March as Kidney Awareness Month in Hawaii; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that it is our hope that all possible support will continue to be extended to chronic kidney disease patients in Hawaii and throughout the country and world; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the National Kidney Foundation of Hawaii, St. Francis Healthcare System of Hawaii, Clinical Laboratories of Hawaii, and the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives, as a token of our highest esteem.

Report Title: 

Designates March 13 as "World Kidney Day" and the Month of March as Kidney Awareness Month in Hawaii.