SR 163: 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.

SENATE 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.

     WHEREAS, Alzheimer's disease is a significant public health issue affecting millions of Americans, including many residents of Hawaii; and

     WHEREAS, National Institute on Aging-designated Alzheimer's Disease Research Centers serve as a national resource for research on the nature of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias and the development of more effective approaches to prevention, diagnosis, care, and therapy; and

     WHEREAS, the National Institute on Aging provides substantial funding opportunities to designated Alzheimer's Disease Research Centers, which can significantly enhance research capabilities and resources; and

     WHEREAS, the establishment of an Alzheimer's Disease Research Center in Hawaii would advance scientific research, improve diagnosis and treatment, and provide better care for those suffering from Alzheimer's disease; and

     WHEREAS, Hawaii has the largest share of Asian American and Pacific Islander populations in the United States, which presents 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; and

     WHEREAS, 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 and contribute to global research efforts on Alzheimer's disease; now, therefore,

     BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Thirty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2025, that the University of Hawaii is requested 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; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that in determining the feasibility of establishing an Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, the University of Hawaii is requested to:

     (1)  Investigate the University of Hawaii's current research capabilities, infrastructure, and expertise related to Alzheimer's disease; and

     (2)  Assess the potential benefits and impacts establishing an Alzheimer's Disease Research Center would have on the University of Hawaii, the State, and residents of Hawaii; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that in identifying the requirements to receive federal funding from the National Institute on Aging, the University of Hawaii is requested to:

     (1)  Determine the criteria and guidelines for National Institute on Aging Alzheimer's Disease Research Center grants; and

     (2)  Outline the necessary steps and institutional commitments needed to meet these requirements; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the University of Hawaii is requested to develop a phased plan, including initial feasibility assessments, infrastructure development, faculty recruitment, and community engagement; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the University of Hawaii is requested to develop an estimated timeline for each phase of the plan, beginning with the initial feasibility assessment and including potential grant applications and the establishment of an Alzheimer's Disease Research Center; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the University of Hawaii is requested to submit a report to the Legislature on the feasibility assessment, funding requirements, and proposed timeline no later than December 31, 2025; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Director of Health, President of the University of Hawaii System, members of the University of Hawaii Board of Regents, Director of the University of Hawaii at Manoa Center on Aging, and Dean of the University of Hawaii at Manoa John A. Burns School of Medicine.

Report Title: 

Alzheimer's Disease Research Centers; University of Hawaii; National Institute on Aging; Feasibility Study

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1443

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    S.R. No. 163

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.R. No. 163 entitled:

"SENATE 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.R. No. 163 and recommend its adoption.

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