HI HCR310

Urges the Department of Health to promote and adopt Blue Zone vitality projects with assistance from the Department of Agriculture and other organizations including the Hawaii Farm Bureau, Healthy Hawaii Initiative, and John H. Burns School of Medicine.

Identifies diabetes as a significant health crisis in Hawaii, noting it is the seventh leading cause of death and that Hawaii ranks in the second tier of nationwide diabetes prevalence, with higher risk among Chinese, Japanese, and Native Hawaiian populations.

References the successful Albert Lea, Minnesota Blue Zone project which achieved a 3.2-year increase in life expectancy, 21 percent drop in absenteeism, and 49 percent decrease in health care costs through community redesign promoting walkability, local food access, and healthy lifestyles.

Requires the Department of Health and Department of Agriculture to prepare a report on Blue Zone vitality project efforts and submit findings to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the 2013 Regular Session convening.

Directs transmission of certified copies to the Governor, State Department of Health Director, and other state and community organizations including the American Institute of Architects and AARP.