HI HCR7

Authorizes formation of a Firefighter Cancer Presumptive Task Force to develop recommendations for a cancer presumptive statute applicable to firefighters in Hawaii.

Task Force composition includes 11 members: Senate and House Health Committee Chairs, Directors of Health and Human Resources Development, Disability Compensation Division Administrator, University of Hawaii Cancer Center Director, county human resources directors, health insurance industry representative, workers' compensation attorney, Hawaii Fire Fighters Association President, and State Fire Council representative.

Task Force must analyze cancer rates in firefighters versus general population, recommend workers' compensation statute revisions, estimate costs to state and counties, review current fire department safety procedures, and recommend administrative rule changes.

Task Force shall submit findings, recommendations, and proposed legislation to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the 2016 Regular Session convenes.

Resolution references 2006 University of Cincinnati study showing firefighters have significantly elevated cancer risk rates across multiple cancer types, ranging from 14 to 102 percent higher than general population.