HI SR6

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

Task Force composition includes legislators from health and labor committees, state directors (Health, Human Resources Development, Labor and Industrial Relations), county fire chiefs, University of Hawaii Cancer Center director, workers' compensation insurance representatives, a private workers' compensation attorney, and firefighter union leadership.

Task Force must submit findings and recommendations, including proposed legislation, to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the 2017 Regular Session convenes.

Report must include: analysis comparing cancer rates in firefighters versus general population, workers' compensation statute revisions to expedite benefits, cost estimates for cancer-related workers' compensation claims, current fire department safety procedures, and recommendations for administrative rule changes.

Resolution cites University of Cincinnati research showing firefighters have significantly elevated cancer risks across multiple types, including 102% higher for testicular cancer and 14-53% higher for other cancers compared to general population; notes thirty-four states and nine Canadian provinces have enacted similar cancer presumptive statutes.