STAND. COM. REP. NO.  1231-14

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2014

RE:   H.C.R. No. 236

Honorable Joseph M. Souki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Seventh State Legislature

Regular Session of 2014

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Health, to which was referred H.C.R. No. 236 entitled:

"HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO CONDUCT A STUDY ON THE LONG-STANDING CULTURAL HAWAIIAN PRACTICE OF SUN-DRYING FISH TO DETERMINE WHAT CAN BE DONE TO PRESERVE THIS CULTURAL PRACTICE WHILE PROTECTING THE PUBLIC HEALTH,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to preserve the traditional Hawaiian practice of sun-drying fish while also protecting the public from foodborne illnesses by requesting the Department of Health to:

(1)  Investigate the potential for microbiological contamination of traditionally prepared fish; and

(2)  Examine how the exemptions made for hand-pounded pa‘i‘ai may enlighten future policies for sun-dried fish; and

(3)  Extend relevant food establishment permits for businesses that sell sun-dried fish while the study is being conducted; and

(3) Submit a report of its findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation to the Legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2015.

The Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs, the Kuakini Hawaiian Civic Club of Kona, Kako‘o ‘Oiwi, and several individuals testified in support of this measure. The Department of Health testified in opposition. An individual provided comments.

     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 H.C.R. No. 236 and recommends that it be referred to the Committee on Finance.

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

____________________________

DELLA AU BELATTI, Chair