STAND. COM. REP. NO. 862

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 828

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 S.B. No. 828, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO WORKERS' COMPENSATION MEDICAL BENEFITS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to expand workers' compensation benefits for firefighters to include coverage for additional cancers and diseases unless the employer proves that the cancer or disease was not associated with firefighting duties.

Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Office of the Lieutenant Governor.

Your Committee finds this measure will help to ensure that firefighters receive timely and appropriate medical treatment for adenocarcinoma or mesothelioma of the respiratory system, various cancers, and malignant melanoma unless the employer proves that the cancer or disease was not associated with firefighting duties.

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 S.B. No. 828, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

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

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DONOVAN M. DELA CRUZ, Chair