STAND. COM. REP. NO.  1438

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2017

RE:   H.R. No. 55

Honorable Joseph M. Souki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Ninth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2017

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Ocean, Marine Resources, & Hawaiian Affairs, to which was referred H.R. No. 55 entitled:

"HOUSE RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE AUDITOR TO ASSESS THE SOCIAL AND FINANCIAL EFFECTS OF REQUIRING HEALTH INSURERS TO PROVIDE COVERAGE FOR CERTAIN NATIVE HAWAIIAN CULTURE-BASED ACTIVITIES,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to request the Auditor to conduct an impact assessment report of the social and financial impacts of mandating coverage for Native Hawaiian culture-based practices that have been empirically shown to be effective in the management of weight, cardiovascular health, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease and submit its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the Legislature no later than 20 days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2018.

The Native Hawaiian Health Task Force and several individuals supported this measure.  The Hawaiian Affairs Caucus of the Democratic Party of Hawaii and Office of Hawaiian Affairs provided comments.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the member of your Committee on Ocean, Marine Resources, & Hawaiian Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of H.R. No. 55 and recommends that it be referred to your Committees on Health and Consumer Protection & Commerce.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ocean, Marine Resources, & Hawaiian Affairs,

____________________________

KANIELA ING, Chair