STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1524

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: H.B. No. 1300

H.D. 1

S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred H.B. No. 1300, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO CANCER,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to appropriate moneys to the University of Hawaii Cancer Center for a multiethnic cohort study on the social determinants of health, lifestyles, environmental exposures, and resilience factors of Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, and Filipinos, including an analysis of the health effects and risks of individuals who live in proximity to landfills in Nanakuli, Oahu.

Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, University of Hawaii, Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, Hawaii Primary Care Association, Ohana Unity Party & Kingdom of The Hawaiian Islands, The Queen's Health Systems, Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center, and six individuals.

Your Committee finds that, while cancer incidence and mortality rates have generally decreased in Hawaii, the disparities among ethnic populations remain concerning. Your Committee further finds that a multiethnic cohort study will help identify specific health challenges faced by Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, and Filipinos and develop actionable strategies to reduce health disparities and improve overall wellbeing in these communities.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1300, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,

________________________________

DONOVAN M. DELA CRUZ, Chair