SB 2657: UH; JABSOM; Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias; Research Center; Center on Aging; Reports; Positions; Appropriation

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE AND RELATED DEMENTIAS RESEARCH.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that establishing an organized Alzheimer's disease and related dementias research center at the university of Hawaii is essential to advance scientific research, improve diagnosis and treatment, and provide better care for individuals affected by these conditions.  A National Institute on Aging designated Alzheimer's Disease Research Center would significantly enhance the university's research capabilities and attract major federal funding; however, achieving designation requires resources, coordination, and a dedicated team of expert researchers and staff.  This goal is attainable through a phased approach that begins with capacity-building and strategic partnerships, and includes incremental steps to strengthen research infrastructure, such as creating key faculty and staff positions over time.

     The legislature further finds that Hawaii's unique demographic composition, including a significant Asian American and Pacific Islander population, presents an unparalleled opportunity to conduct dementia research that reflects genetic, cultural, and environmental factors distinct from those studied at mainland research centers.  This focus would fill critical gaps in scientific knowledge and inform culturally tailored interventions, benefiting both state and national research agendas.

     Establishing an Alzheimer's disease and related dementia research center in the State will leverage existing resources and collaborations among the university of Hawaii John A. Burns school of medicine, university of Hawaii center on aging, university of Hawaii cancer center, and community partners; create efficiencies by utilizing existing infrastructure and shared services; strengthen interdisciplinary research across medicine, public health, and social sciences; expand access to clinical trials; and improve patient care—particularly for rural and neighbor island communities.  Strategic partnerships with Kuakini Health System, Hawaii Pacific Health, and The Queen's Health Systems will further enhance clinical research capacity and integration with statewide health care delivery.  This initiative will also support workforce development, complement any future neurology training program, and generate economic benefits through job creation and increased federal research funding.  Therefore, the legislature finds that the establishment of an Alzheimer's disease and related dementias research center of Hawaii is a matter of statewide concern pursuant to article X, section 6, of the Hawaii State Constitution.

     The purpose of this Act is to establish an organized Alzheimer's disease and related dementias research center of Hawaii within the university of Hawaii as the first phase of a strategic plan to build capacity and position the State for future National Institute on Aging designation.

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 304A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part IV to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§304A-    Alzheimer's disease and related dementias research center of Hawaii; established.  (a)  There is established an organized research unit, to be known as the Alzheimer's disease and related dementias research center of Hawaii, to conduct research on Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.  The Alzheimer's disease and related dementias research center of Hawaii shall be administered by a director to be appointed in accordance with the board of regents' policy.

     (b)  The Alzheimer's disease and related dementias research center of Hawaii shall be administratively affiliated with the university of Hawaii John A. Burns school of medicine; provided that the administrative services and infrastructure teams of the Alzheimer's disease and related dementias research center of Hawaii and university of Hawaii John A. Burns school of medicine may be merged to achieve greater efficiency.

     (c)  The provost of the university of Hawaii at Manoa shall have authority to direct and achieve efficiencies at the university of Hawaii John A. Burns school of medicine and Alzheimer's disease and related dementias research center of Hawaii.

     (d)  The programs of the university of Hawaii John A. Burns school of medicine and Alzheimer's disease and related dementias research center of Hawaii, university of Hawaii center on aging, and university of Hawaii at Manoa shall identify opportunities to:

     (1)  Capitalize on collaboration between the programs; and

     (2)  Maximize operational efficiencies among the university of Hawaii John A. Burns school of medicine, Alzheimer's disease and related dementias research center of Hawaii, and university of Hawaii center on aging, including but not limited to shared services and personnel, whenever feasible, and utilization of centralized services available through the university of Hawaii at Manoa, whenever appropriate.

     (e)  The Alzheimer's disease and related dementias research center of Hawaii's research agenda shall focus on research, education, patient care, and community outreach and reflect an understanding of the ethnic, cultural, and environmental characteristics of the State and Pacific region.

     (f)  The Alzheimer's disease and related dementias research center of Hawaii may be staffed by, but not be limited to, the following positions:

     (1)       full-time equivalent (     FTE) senior clinician scientist who shall be on tenure track;

     (2)       full-time equivalent (     FTE) coordinator of the organized research unit;

     (3)       full-time equivalent (     FTE) staff position;

     (4)       full-time equivalent (     FTE) clinical research nurse; and

     (5)       full-time equivalent (     FTE) faculty positions to be allocated among junior investigators as part‑time appointments, including a part-time neuropathologist as required for the neuropathology core of an Alzheimer's disease research center to receive funding from the National Institute on Aging.

     (g)  The Alzheimer's disease and related dementias research center of Hawaii may:

     (1)  Engage in international research collaborations;

     (2)  Undertake research studies and clinical trials; and

     (3)  Participate in projects and programs of the National Institutes of Health and the National Institute on Aging, including but not limited to projects and programs of research centers designated by the National Institute on Aging as Alzheimer's disease research centers.

     (h)  The Alzheimer's disease and related dementias research center of Hawaii shall submit an annual report to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of each regular session.  The report shall include:

     (1)  A summary of research activities, collaborations, and clinical trials conducted by the research center;

     (2)  Progress toward securing federal funding and designation as an Alzheimer's disease research center by the National Institute on Aging;

     (3)  Financial expenditures and funding sources;

     (4)  Community outreach and education efforts; and

     (5)  Recommendations, including proposed legislation for budgetary support."

     SECTION 3.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $            or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the establishment of the Alzheimer's disease and related dementias research center of Hawaii, including the establishment of:

     (1)       full-time equivalent (     FTE) faculty senior clinician scientist position; and

     (2)       full-time equivalent (     FTE) administrative, professional, and technical center coordinator (administrative lead) position in the university of Hawaii John A. Burns school of medicine, specializing in neurology and dementia.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the university of Hawaii for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 4.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 5.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.

Report Title:

UH; JABSOM; Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias; Research Center; Center on Aging; Reports; Positions; Appropriation

Description:

Establishes the Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias Research Center of Hawaii (Research Center) within the University of Hawaii.  Requires the Research Center to be administratively affiliated with the University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM).  Requires JABSOM, the Research Center, University of Hawaii Center on Aging, and University of Hawaii at Manoa to identify opportunities to capitalize on collaboration between the parties and maximize operational efficiencies.  Requires the Research Center to submit annual reports to the Legislature.  Establishes positions.  Appropriates funds.  Effective 7/1/3000.  (HD1)

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE AND RELATED DEMENTIAS RESEARCH.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that establishing an organized Alzheimer's disease and related dementias research center at the university of Hawaii is essential to advance scientific research, improve diagnosis and treatment, and provide better care for individuals affected by these conditions.  A National Institute on Aging designated Alzheimer's Disease Research Center would significantly enhance the university's research capabilities and attract major federal funding; however, achieving designation requires resources, coordination, and a dedicated team of expert researchers and staff.  This goal is attainable through a phased approach that begins with capacity-building and strategic partnerships, and includes incremental steps to strengthen research infrastructure, such as creating key faculty and staff positions over time.

     The legislature further finds that Hawaii's unique demographic composition, including a significant Asian American and Pacific Islander population, presents an unparalleled opportunity to conduct dementia research that reflects genetic, cultural, and environmental factors distinct from those studied at mainland research centers.  This focus would fill critical gaps in scientific knowledge and inform culturally tailored interventions, benefiting both state and national research agendas.

     Establishing an Alzheimer's disease and related dementia research center in the State will leverage existing resources and collaborations among the university of Hawaii John A. Burns school of medicine, university of Hawaii center on aging, university of Hawaii cancer center, and community partners; create efficiencies by utilizing existing infrastructure and shared services; strengthen interdisciplinary research across medicine, public health, and social sciences; expand access to clinical trials; and improve patient care—particularly for rural and neighbor island communities.  Strategic partnerships with Kuakini Health System, Hawaii Pacific Health, and The Queen's Health Systems will further enhance clinical research capacity and integration with statewide health care delivery.  This initiative will also support workforce development, complement any future neurology training program, and generate economic benefits through job creation and increased federal research funding.  Therefore, the legislature finds that the establishment of an Alzheimer's disease and related dementias research center of Hawaii is a matter of statewide concern pursuant to article X, section 6, of the Hawaii State Constitution.

     The purpose of this Act is to establish an organized Alzheimer's disease and related dementias research center of Hawaii within the university of Hawaii as the first phase of a strategic plan to build capacity and position the State for future National Institute on Aging designation.

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 304A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part IV to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§304A-    Alzheimer's disease and related dementias research center of Hawaii; established.  (a)  There is established an organized research unit, hereinafter known as the Alzheimer's disease and related dementias research center of Hawaii, to conduct research on Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.  The Alzheimer's disease and related dementias research center of Hawaii shall be administered by a director to be appointed in accordance with the board of regents' policy.

     (b)  The Alzheimer's disease and related dementias research center of Hawaii shall be administratively affiliated with the university of Hawaii John A. Burns school of medicine.  The administrative services and infrastructure teams of the Alzheimer's disease and related dementias research center of Hawaii and the university of Hawaii John A. Burns school of medicine may be merged to achieve greater efficiency.

     (c)  The provost of the university of Hawaii at Manoa shall have authority to direct and achieve efficiencies at the university of Hawaii John A. Burns school of medicine and Alzheimer's disease and related dementias research center of Hawaii.

     (d)  The programs of the university of Hawaii John A. Burns school of medicine and Alzheimer's disease and related dementias research center of Hawaii, the university of Hawaii center on aging, and the university of Hawaii at Manoa shall identify opportunities to:

     (1)  Capitalize on collaboration between the programs; and

     (2)  Maximize operational efficiencies among the university of Hawaii John A. Burns school of medicine, Alzheimer's disease and related dementias research center of Hawaii, and the university of Hawaii center on aging, including but not limited to shared services and personnel, whenever feasible, and utilization of centralized services available through the university of Hawaii at Manoa, whenever appropriate.

     (e)  The Alzheimer's disease and related dementias research center of Hawaii's research agenda shall focus on research, education, patient care, and community outreach and reflect an understanding of the ethnic, cultural, and environmental characteristics of the State and the Pacific region.

     (f)  The Alzheimer's disease and related dementias research center of Hawaii may be staffed by, but not be limited to, the following positions:

     (1)  One full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) senior clinician scientist who shall be on tenure track;

     (2)  One full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) coordinator of the organized research unit;

     (3)  One full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) staff position;

     (4)  One full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) clinical research nurse; and

     (5)  Two full-time equivalent (2.0 FTE) faculty positions to be allocated among junior investigators as part‑time appointments, including a part-time neuropathologist as required for the neuropathology core of an Alzheimer's disease research center to receive funding from the National Institute on Aging.

     (g)  The Alzheimer's disease and related dementias research center of Hawaii may:

     (1)  Engage in international research collaborations;

     (2)  Undertake research studies and clinical trials; and

     (3)  Participate in projects and programs of the National Institutes of Health and the National Institute on Aging, including but not limited to projects and programs of research centers designated by the National Institute on Aging as Alzheimer's disease research centers.

     (h)  The Alzheimer's disease and related dementias research center of Hawaii shall submit an annual report to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of each regular session.  The report shall include:

     (1)  A summary of research activities, collaborations, and clinical trials conducted by the research center;

     (2)  Progress toward securing federal funding and designation as an Alzheimer's disease research center by the National Institute on Aging;

     (3)  Financial expenditures and funding sources;

     (4)  Community outreach and education efforts; and

     (5)  Recommendations, including proposed legislation for budgetary support."

     SECTION 3.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $            or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the establishment of the Alzheimer's disease and related dementias research center of Hawaii, including the establishment of:

     (1)  One full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) faculty senior clinician scientist position; and

     (2)  One full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) administrative, professional, and technical center coordinator (administrative lead) position in the university of Hawaii John A. Burns school of medicine, specializing in neurology and dementia.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the university of Hawaii for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 4.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 5.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2026.

Report Title:

University of Hawaii; Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias; Research Center; JABSOM; Center on Aging; Reports; Positions; Appropriation

Description:

Establishes the Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias Research Center of Hawaii within the University of Hawaii.  Requires the Research Center to be administratively affiliated with the University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine.  Requires JABSOM, the Research Center, University of Hawaii Center on Aging, and University of Hawaii at Manoa to identify opportunities to capitalize on collaboration between the parties and maximize operational efficiencies.  Requires the Research Center to submit annual reports to the Legislature.  Establishes positions.  Appropriates funds.  (SD1)

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

Relating to ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE AND RELATED DEMENTIAS Research.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that establishing an organized Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) research unit at the university of Hawaii is essential to advance scientific research, improve diagnosis and treatment, and provide better care for individuals affected by these conditions.  A National Institute on Aging designated Alzheimer's Disease Research Center would significantly enhance the university's research capabilities and attract major federal funding; however, achieving designation requires resources, coordination, and a dedicated team of expert researchers and staff.  This goal is attainable through a phased approach that begins with capacity-building and strategic partnerships, and includes incremental steps to strengthen research infrastructure, such as creating key faculty and staff positions over time.

     The legislature further finds that Hawaii's unique demographic composition, including a significant Asian American and Pacific Islander population, presents an unparalleled opportunity to conduct dementia research that reflects genetic, cultural, and environmental factors distinct from those studied at mainland research centers.  This focus would fill critical gaps in scientific knowledge and inform culturally tailored interventions, benefiting both state and national research agendas.

     Establishing an Alzheimer's disease and related dementia research center in the State will leverage existing resources and collaborations among the university of Hawaii John A. Burns school of medicine, university of Hawaii center on aging, cancer research center of Hawaii, and community partners; create efficiencies by utilizing existing infrastructure and shared services; strengthen interdisciplinary research across medicine, public health, and social sciences; expand access to clinical trials; and improve patient care—particularly for rural and neighbor island communities.  Strategic partnerships with Kuakini Health System, Hawaiʻi Pacific Health, and The Queen's Health Systems will further enhance clinical research capacity and integration with statewide health care delivery.  This initiative will also support workforce development, complement any future neurology training program, and generate economic benefits through job creation and increased federal research funding.  Therefore, the legislature finds that the establishment of an Alzheimer's disease and related dementias research center of Hawaii is a matter of statewide concern.

     The purpose of this Act is to establish an organized Alzheimer's disease and related dementias research center of Hawaii within the university of Hawaii as the first phase of a strategic plan to build capacity and position the State for future National Institute on Aging designation.

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 304A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part IV to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§304A-    Alzheimer's disease and related dementias research center of Hawaii.  (a)  There is established an organized research unit, hereinafter known as the Alzheimer's disease and related dementias research center of Hawaii, to conduct research on Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.  The Alzheimer's disease and related dementias research center of Hawaii shall be administered by a director to be appointed in accordance with the board of regents' policy.

     (b)  The Alzheimer's disease and related dementias research center of Hawaii shall be administratively affiliated with the university of Hawaii John A. Burns school of medicine.  The administrative services and infrastructure teams of the Alzheimer's disease and related dementias research center of Hawaii and the university of Hawaii John A. Burns school of medicine may be merged to achieve greater efficiency.

     (c)  The provost of the university of Hawaii at Manoa shall have authority to direct and achieve efficiencies at the university of Hawaii John A. Burns school of medicine and Alzheimer's disease and related dementias research center of Hawaii.

     (d)  The programs of the university of Hawaii John A. Burns school of medicine and Alzheimer's disease and related dementias research center of Hawaii, the university of Hawaii center on aging, and the university of Hawaii at Manoa shall identify opportunities to:

     (1)  Capitalize on collaboration between the programs; and

     (2)  Maximize operational efficiencies among the university of Hawaii John A. Burns school of medicine, Alzheimer's disease and related dementias research center of Hawaii, and the university of Hawaii center on aging, including but not limited to shared services and personnel, whenever feasible, and utilization of centralized services available through the university of Hawaii at Manoa, whenever appropriate.

     (e)  The Alzheimer's disease and related dementias research center of Hawaii's research agenda shall focus on research, education, patient care, and community outreach and reflect an understanding of the ethnic, cultural, and environmental characteristics of the State and the Pacific region.

     (f)  The Alzheimer's disease and related dementia research center of Hawaii may be staffed by, but not be limited to, the following positions:

     (1)  One full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) senior clinician scientist who shall be on tenure track;

     (2)  One full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) coordinator of the designated research unit;

     (3)  One full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) staff position;

     (4)  One full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) clinical research nurse;

     (5)  Two full-time equivalent (2.0 FTE) faculty positions to be allocated among junior investigators as part‑time appointments, including a part-time neuropathologist as required for the neuropathology core of an Alzheimer's disease research center to receive funding from the National Institute on Aging.

     (g)  The Alzheimer's disease and related dementias research center of Hawaii may:

     (1)  Engage in international research collaborations;

     (2)  Undertake research studies and clinical trials; and

     (3)  Participate in projects and programs of the National Institutes of Health and the National Institute on Aging, including but not limited to research centers designated by the National Institute on Aging as Alzheimer's disease research centers.

     (h)  The Alzheimer's disease and related dementias research center of Hawaii shall submit an annual report to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of each regular session.  The report shall include:

     (1)  A summary of research activities, collaborations, and clinical trials conducted by the research center;

     (2)  Progress toward securing federal funding and designation as an Alzheimer's disease research center by the National Institute on Aging;

     (3)  Financial expenditures and funding sources;

     (4)  Community outreach and education efforts; and

     (5)  Recommendations including proposed legislation for budgetary support."

     SECTION 3.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $375,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the establishment of the Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias Research Center of Hawaii, including the establishment of:

     (1)  One full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) faculty senior clinician scientist position; and

     (2)  One full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) administrative, professional, and technical center coordinator (administrative lead) position in the university of Hawaii John A. Burns school of medicine, specializing in neurology and dementia.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the university of Hawaii for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 4.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 5.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2026.

Report Title:

University of Hawaii; Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias; Research Center; JABSOM; Center on Aging; Reports; Appropriation; Positions

Description:

Establishes the Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias Research Center of Hawaii within the University of Hawaii.  Requires the Research Center to be administratively affiliated with the University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine.  Requires JABSOM, the Research Center, University of Hawaii Center on Aging, and University of Hawaii at Manoa to identify opportunities to capitalize on collaboration between the parties and maximize operational efficiencies.  Requires the Research Center to submit annual reports to the Legislature.  Appropriates funds.

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2836

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:     S.B. No. 2657

        S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred S.B. No. 2657, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE AND RELATED DEMENTIAS RESEARCH,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to advance scientific research on Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.

     Specifically, this measure:

     (1)  Establishes the Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias Research Center of Hawaii as an organized research unit within the University of Hawaii; and

     (2)  Appropriates moneys for the Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias Research Center of Hawaii, including the establishment of two full-time equivalent positions.

     Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the State Health Planning and Development Agency, Disability and Communication Access Board, Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women, Policy Advisory Board for Elderly Affairs, Hawaii Disability Rights Center, Hawaii Primary Care Association, AARP Hawaii, LeadingAge Pacific West, Alzheimer's Association - Hawaii, and nine individuals.

     Your Committee received written comments on this measure from the University of Hawaii, Executive Office on Aging, and The Queen's Health Systems.

     Your Committee finds that Hawaii's unique demographic composition, including significant Asian American and Pacific Islander populations, presents an opportunity to conduct dementia research that reflects genetic, cultural, and environmental factors distinct from those studied at mainland research centers.  Your Committee believes that the research supported by this measure will fill critical gaps in scientific knowledge and inform culturally tailored interventions.

     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. 2657, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

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

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2351

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:     S.B. No. 2657

        S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committees on Education and Health and Human Services, to which was referred S.B. No. 2657 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE AND RELATED DEMENTIAS RESEARCH,"

beg leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to:

     (1)  Establish the Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias Research Center of Hawaiʻi within the University of Hawaiʻi;

     (2)  Require the Research Center to be administratively affiliated with the University of Hawaiʻi John A. Burns School of Medicine;

     (3)  Require the John A. Burns School of Medicine, Research Center, University of Hawaiʻi Center on Aging, and University of Hawaiʻi at Manoa to identify opportunities to capitalize on collaboration between the parties and maximize operational efficiencies;

     (4)  Require the Research Center to submit annual reports to the Legislature; and

     (5)  Appropriate funds.

     Your Committees received testimony in support of this measure from the State Health Planning and Development Agency, Alzheimer's Association, Hawaiʻi Primary Care Association, Alzheimer's Caregiving & The Caregivers, Hawaii Disability Rights Center, AARP Hawaiʻi, and nine individuals.

     Your Committees received comments on this measure from the University of Hawaiʻi System.

     Your Committees find that Alzheimer's disease and related dementias are among the most pressing health challenges of the modern era and disproportionately affect the State's aging population.  Despite the growing prominence of this public health issue, the State currently lacks the foundational infrastructure necessary to compete for federal awards for dementia related research and development activities.  Your Committees further find that the State's unique demographic composition, particularly its large Asian American and Pacific Islander communities, presents an unparalleled opportunity to advance research that reflects genetic, cultural, and environmental factors not studied elsewhere.  This measure will establish a coordinated research structure to support the development of more effective, culturally tailored interventions for residents affected by Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.

     Your Committees have amended this measure by:

     (1)  Inserting a blank appropriation amount; and

     (2)  Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity and consistency.

     Your Committees note that although this measure, as amended, contains an unspecified appropriation amount, should your Committee on Ways and Means choose to deliberate on this measure, your Committees respectfully request that it consider inserting an appropriate amount for the establishment of the Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias Research Center of Hawaii.

     As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Education and Health and Human Services that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2657, as amended herein, and recommend that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 2657, S.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.

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