S.R. No. 128 Summary

• Request the Department of Health, University of Hawaii, and relevant state agencies to conduct a statewide DNA study examining whether residents carrying the genetic variant rs12252-C have heightened influenza risk.

• Study aims to identify whether individuals of Asian and Pacific Island ancestry, who comprise nearly two-thirds of Hawaii's resident population, face increased susceptibility to influenza infection based on existing DNA research findings.

• Require that study findings be utilized to advance statewide pandemic influenza mitigation planning efforts.

• Transmit certified copies of the resolution to the Director of Health, Chairperson of the Board of Regents of the University of Hawaii, and President of the University of Hawaii.