STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1714

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.C.R. No. 98

S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirtieth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2019

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Health, to which was referred S.C.R. No. 98 entitled:

"SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION DESIGNATING FEBRUARY OF EACH YEAR AS LIVER AND BILE DUCT CANCER AWARENESS MONTH IN THE STATE OF HAWAII,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to designate February of each year as Liver and Bile Duct Cancer Awareness Month in Hawaii.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network and two individuals.

Your Committee finds that Hawaii has the highest death rate of liver and bile duct cancer in the nation, with 184 new liver cancer and bile duct cancer cases diagnosed in Hawaii every year, which is a 33 percent higher incidence of liver and bile duct cancer than the national statistical norm. Currently, over 1,000 people in Hawaii are fighting liver cancer and bile duct cancer, both of which are almost always fatal.

Your Committee further finds that research indicates that liver flukes and aflatoxins may cause liver and bile duct cancer. Liver flukes, a type of parasitic flatworm found in freshwater fish, shellfish, cattle, and vegetables grown in fresh water, such as watercress, have been previously found in Hawaii. Aflatoxins are produced by a fungus abundant in warm and humid climates like Hawaii that grows on foods such as rice, grains, and nuts that are stored improperly or for long periods of time.

Your Committee finds that there is little public awareness and education around liver and bile duct cancer and the relationship and risks that Hawaii's local diet and environment present to increasing the risk of contracting these diseases. Raising awareness through a Liver and Bile Duct Cancer Awareness Month may encourage individuals to discuss liver and bile duct cancer risks and prevention with their health care providers.

Your Committee has amended this measure by making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity and consistency.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Health that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of S.C.R. No. 98, as amended herein, and recommends its adoption in the form attached hereto as S.C.R. No. 98, S.D. 1.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Health,

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ROSALYN H. BAKER, Chair