HI SR5

Requests the Department of Health to establish a state health initiative to reduce occurrences of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in Hawaii.

Identifies COPD as the third leading cause of death in the United States, killing more than 120,000 persons annually.

Notes that COPD cost the United States an estimated $50 billion in direct and indirect expenses in 2010.

Emphasizes that COPD is preventable and treatable through early screening and detection, with preventive measures expected to reduce future state health expenditures.

Committee on Health recommends adoption of the resolution based on testimony from the Department of Health and Hawaii COPD Coalition.