HI HR176

Hawaii House Resolution urges the U.S. Department of Defense and Defense Health Agency to extend Secretarial Designee health care authorizations related to the November 2021 Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility water contamination crisis from the current renewal period to a two-year renewal cycle.

The resolution addresses ongoing health concerns among military families, civilian residents, and DoD personnel who were exposed to contaminated drinking water, including reported symptoms of headaches, nausea, respiratory irritation, and skin conditions.

Requests expanded access to civilian medical providers under TRICARE and implementation of "warm handoff" referral practices between military treatment facilities and civilian providers to improve care coordination.

Calls for establishment of reimbursement or voucher programs to assist affected individuals with out-of-pocket medical costs, particularly those who have relocated to areas without nearby military treatment facilities.

Directs certified copies be sent to the President, Secretary of Defense, Director of the Defense Health Agency, and Hawaii's Congressional delegation.