HI SR60

Requests the University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine establish a Native Hawaiian Health Task Force to address disproportionate health impacts on Native Hawaiians, including obesity and chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease.

Task force composition includes the Chair of the Department of Native Hawaiian Health, Director of Health, CEO of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, and up to twenty additional members appointed by the Department Chair with expertise in Native Hawaiian health.

Task force responsibilities include creating data sharing policies between state agencies, proposing environmental and legislative improvements, raising health equity awareness, addressing healthcare access barriers, and increasing preventive services in Native Hawaiian communities.

Task force is directed to report findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the 2016 Regular Session convenes.

Resolution based on findings from the Department of Native Hawaiian Health's two-year study presented to the legislature in September 2013 on health and well-being of Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islander populations.