HCR 243 Summary

• Request the Department of Health to convene a working group to research ways to reduce consumption of sugary-fattened beverages in Hawaii and provide recommendations.

• Working group must include representatives from Department of Taxation, Department of Human Services, Hawaii Public Health Institute, American Heart Association, Hawaii Dental Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, and John A. Burns School of Medicine.

• Working group directed to research limiting availability of sugary beverages in public schools, conduct cost-benefit analysis of replacing sugary drinks with healthier alternatives, and evaluate public education campaign impacts.

• Working group should consider potential benefits of reducing costs of healthy beverages through surcharge on sugary-fattened beverage sales and recommend funding allocation for health improvements.

• Working group must submit findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the 2019 Regular Session convenes.