HI SR44

Request that U.S. Congress amend the Native Hawaiian Health Care Improvement Act to provide permanent authority and funding beyond fiscal year 2019, when current authorization expires.

Cite that Native Hawaiians experience significant health disparities including lower life expectancy and higher rates of heart disease, cancer, stroke, diabetes, and obesity compared to other state populations.

Note that the Indian Health Care Improvement Act provides permanent funding for indigenous peoples in the continental United States beginning in fiscal year 2010, while Native Hawaiians lack equivalent long-term federal funding assurance.

Direct certified copies be sent to members of Congress, federal agencies, Hawaii state and county officials, and Native Hawaiian health care organizations including Papa Ola Lokahi and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.