H.C.R. No. 26 Summary

• Request that the Department of Health create a formal plan to implement oral health recommendations from the 2019 "E Ola Mau a Mau: The Next Generation of Native Hawaiian Health" report by Papa Ola Lokahi.

• Department of Health must collaborate with the Office of Hawaiian Affairs in developing the plan addressing seven key areas: overall health connection, oral health literacy, diversified workforce development, prevention investment, access to care, culturally-adapted programs, and improved data collection.

• Department of Health must submit a report to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the 2024 Regular Session convening, including findings, recommendations, and proposed legislation.

• Report findings document that Native Hawaiian adults have higher tooth loss rates and Native Hawaiian children have higher tooth decay rates compared to Caucasian and Japanese peers, with significant barriers to preventative and treatment care access.

• Certified copies of the resolution must be transmitted to the Director of Health, Chairperson of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs Board of Trustees, and Chairperson of the Hawaiian Homes Commission.