HI HB654

Appropriates $350,000 from general revenues to the University of Hawaii Cancer Center for fiscal year 2019-2020 to study the causes of high liver and bile duct cancer incidence in Hawaii.

Directs the study to examine insidious fatty liver across diverse population groups, define the incidence of liver fluke infection and aflatoxin exposure, and identify biomarkers for cancer prevention.

Requires the University of Hawaii Cancer Center to submit findings and accounting of fund expenditures to the legislature no later than twenty days before the 2020 regular session convenes.

Addresses Hawaii's documented high rates of liver cancer (highest or second-highest among states) and racial/ethnic disparities, particularly among Native Hawaiian males and Chinese females.

Takes effect July 1, 2019.