STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1442

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.C.R. No. 203

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committees on Higher Education and Health and Human Services, to which was referred S.C.R. No. 203 entitled:

"SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII TO EXPLORE THE FEASIBILITY OF ESTABLISHING AN ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE RESEARCH CENTER AND IDENTIFY THE REQUIREMENTS FOR RECEIVING FEDERAL FUNDING FROM THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON AGING FOR ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE RESEARCH,"

beg leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to request the University of Hawaii to explore the feasibility of establishing an Alzheimer's Disease Research Center and identify the requirements for receiving federal funding form the National Institute on Aging for Alzheimer's disease research.

Your Committees received testimony in support of this measure from the Executive Office on Aging, State Health Planning and Development Agency, Alzheimer's Association Hawaii Chapter, Hawaiʻi Primary Care Association, and one individual.

Your Committees received comments on this measure from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa John A. Burns School of Medicine.

Your Committees find that the establishment of an Alzheimer's Disease Research Center in the State would advance scientific research, improve diagnosis and treatment, and provide better care for those suffering from Alzheimer's disease. Your Committees further find that the State has the largest share of Asian American and Pacific Islander populations in the United States, presenting a unique opportunity to conduct research on Alzheimer's disease that reflects genetic, cultural, and environmental factors distinct from those studied in mainland research centers. Your Committees also find that the University of Hawaii, as the State's premier institution of higher education, has the potential to spearhead and establish a National Institute on Aging-Designated Alzheimer's Disease Research Center eligible for federal funding and contribute to global research efforts on Alzheimer's disease. This measure will allow the State to determine the feasibility of establishing an Alzheimer's Disease Research Center within the University of Hawaii to treat and address the specific needs of the State's diverse communities.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Higher Education and Health and Human Services that are attached to this report, your Committees concur with the intent and purpose of S.C.R. No. 203 and recommend its adoption.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committees on Higher Education and Health and Human Services,

________________________________ JOY A. SAN BUENAVENTURA, Chair

________________________________ DONNA MERCADO KIM, Chair