STAND. COM. REP. NO.  1856

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2025

 

RE:   H.C.R. No. 185

 

 

 

 

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

 

Madame:

 

     Your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs, to which was referred H.C.R. No. 185 entitled:

 

"HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE AUDITOR TO CONDUCT A SOCIAL AND FINANCIAL ASSESSMENT OF PROPOSED MANDATORY HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR NATIVE HAWAIIAN HEALING AND CULTURAL PRACTICES OFFERED THROUGH FEDERALLY QUALIFIED HEALTH CENTERS,"

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     The purpose of this measure is to request the State Auditor to conduct a social and financial assessment of a proposed policy to mandate health insurance coverage for Native Hawaiian healing and cultural practices offered through Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs). This assessment is in response to House Bill No. 641, which proposes expanding existing health insurance mandates to include such practices.

 

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Health Committee of the Democratic Party of Hawai’i. Your committee received comments for this measure from Papa Ola Lokahi.  

 

Your Committee finds that Native Hawaiian healing and cultural practices play a vital role in holistic healthcare and community well-being. Assessing the social and financial impacts of mandatory insurance coverage for these services at federally qualified health centers will help determine feasibility, benefits, and potential cost savings. This study supports equitable healthcare access while recognizing the cultural and therapeutic value of traditional healing practices.

 

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of H.C.R. No. 185 and recommends its adoption.

 

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs,

 

 

 

 

____________________________

DAVID A. TARNAS, Chair