STAND. COM. REP. NO. 592-22

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2022

RE: H.B. No. 2515

H.D. 2

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2022

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce, to which was referred H.B. No. 2515, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to require the Department of Health to establish and operate a laboratory capable of testing for diseases, air and water quality issues, and other high complexity testing.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Health, Honolulu Board of Water Supply, and one individual. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from one individual. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Budget and Finance.

Your Committee finds that the existing state laboratory building is approximately twenty-seven years old. Due to its age, the central heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system is susceptible to periodic failure, which requires that laboratory tests cease until repairs are made.

Your Committee further finds that existing testing demand is substantially greater than the demand the existing state laboratory was envisioned and planned to serve. For example, tests of samples from drivers suspected of operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant and tests of water samples to assure the water is safe for consumption were not considered in the design of the existing facility. Additionally, the scale and manner of infectious disease testing today is much different than what was considered in the design of the existing facility. This measure will ensure that the State is equipped with the facilities necessary to meet the State's existing and foreseeable future testing demands.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

(1) Changing the effective date to January 1, 2050, to encourage further discussion; and

(2) Making a technical, nonsubstantive amendment for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2515, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Finance in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 2515, H.D. 2.

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

____________________________

AARON LING JOHANSON, Chair