HI HR275

Urges the Department of Health to adopt Blue Zone vitality projects to improve community health and prevent chronic diseases like diabetes, which affects approximately 32.45 percent of residents with poor health outcomes.

Requests the Department of Health collaborate with the Department of Agriculture, Hawaii Farm Bureau, Healthy Hawaii Initiative, John H. Burns School of Medicine, and Sustainable Communities Initiative to implement Blue Zone principles focused on safe streets, nutritious meal options, recreational parks, and social networks.

References the successful Albert Lea, Minnesota Blue Zone project that achieved a 3.2-year increase in life expectancy, a 21 percent drop in employer absenteeism, and a 49 percent decrease in health care costs for city employees.

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

Requires certified copies of the resolution be transmitted to the Governor, Director of Health, John A. Burns School of Medicine, State Board of Agriculture, AARP, and the Honolulu American Institute of Architects chapter.