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HB1597
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
H.B. NO.
1597
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026
STATE OF HAWAII
A BILL FOR AN ACT
relating
to alzheimer's disease and related dementias research
.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
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SECTION
1.
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The legislature finds that
establishing an Alzheimer's disease and related dementias research unit at the
University of Hawaii is essential to advance scientific research, improve
diagnosis and treatment, and provide better care for individuals affected by
these conditions.
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A National Institute
on Aging-designated Alzheimer's disease research center (ADRC) would
significantly enhance the University of Hawaii's research capabilities and
attract major federal funding; however, achieving ADRC designation requires
resources, coordination, and a dedicated team of expert researchers and staff.
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This goal is attainable through a
strategically phased approach that begins with capacity-building efforts and
strategic partnerships and includes incremental steps to strengthen research
infrastructure, including the creation of key faculty and staff positions over
time.
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The
legislature further finds that Hawaii's unique demographic composition,
including a significant Asian American and Pacific Islander population,
presents an unparalleled opportunity to conduct dementia research that reflects
genetic, cultural, and environmental factors distinct from those studied at
research centers throughout the continental United States.
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This focus would fill critical gaps in
scientific knowledge and inform culturally tailored interventions, benefiting
state and national research agendas.
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The
legislature also finds that establishing an Alzheimer's disease and related dementias
research center will leverage existing resources and collaborations among the
University of Hawaii John A. Burns school of medicine, University of Hawaii center
on aging, University of Hawaii cancer center, and community partners.
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Additionally, it will create efficiencies by
utilizing existing infrastructure and shared services; strengthen
interdisciplinary research across medicine, public health, and social sciences;
expand access to clinical trials; and improve patient care -- particularly for
rural and neighbor island communities.
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Strategic
partnerships with Kuakini Health System, Hawaii Pacific Health, and The Queen's
Health Systems will further enhance clinical research capacity and integration
with statewide health care delivery.
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This
initiative will also support workforce development, complement upcoming
neurology training programs, and generate economic benefits through job
creation and increased federal research funding.
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The
purpose of this Act is to establish and appropriate funds for an Alzheimer's disease
and related dementias research center at the University of Hawaii as the first
phase of a strategic plan to build capacity and position Hawaii for future ADRC
designation by the National Institute on Aging.
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SECTION
2.
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Chapter 304A, Hawaii Revised
Statutes, is amended by adding a new subpart to part IV to be appropriately
designated and to read as follows:
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alzheimer's disease and related dementias
research center
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�304A-
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Alzheimer's disease and related dementias
research center of Hawaii.
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(a)
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There is established an organized research
unit, to be known as the Alzheimer's disease and related dementias research center
of Hawaii, to conduct research on Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.
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The Alzheimer's disease and related dementias research
center of Hawaii shall be administered by a director, to be appointed in
accordance with the board of regents' policy.
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(b)
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The Alzheimer's disease and related dementias research
center of Hawaii shall be administratively affiliated with the University of
Hawaii John A. Burns school of medicine; provided that the administrative
services and infrastructure teams of the Alzheimer's disease and related
dementias research center of Hawaii and University of Hawaii John A. Burns school
of medicine may be merged to achieve greater efficiency; and provided further
that the provost of the University of Hawaii at Manoa shall have authority to
direct and achieve efficiencies at the University of Hawaii John A. Burns school
of medicine and Alzheimer's disease and related dementias research center of
Hawaii.
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(c)
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Programs of the University of Hawaii John A.
Burns school of medicine, Alzheimer's disease and related dementias research
center of Hawaii, University of Hawaii center on aging, and University of
Hawaii at Manoa shall identify opportunities to:
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(1)
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Capitalize on collaboration between the
programs; and
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(2)
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Maximize operational efficiencies between the
University of Hawaii John A. Burns school of medicine, Alzheimer's disease and
related dementias research center of Hawaii, and University of Hawaii center on
aging, including but not limited to shared services and personnel, whenever
feasible, and utilization of centralized services available through the
University of Hawaii at Manoa, whenever appropriate.
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(d)
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The Alzheimer's disease and related dementias
research center of Hawaii's research agenda shall focus on research, education,
patient care, and community outreach and reflect an understanding of the
ethnic, cultural, and environmental characteristics of the State and the
Pacific region.
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(e)
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The Alzheimer's disease and related dementias
research center of Hawaii may be staffed by, but not be limited to, the
following positions:
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(1)
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One full-time equivalent senior clinician
scientist (tenure track);
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(2)
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One full-time equivalent staff position to
serve as coordinator of the designated research unit;
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(3)
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One additional full-time equivalent staff
position;
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(4)
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One full-time equivalent clinical research
nurse; and
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(5)
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Two full-time equivalent faculty positions, to
be allocated among junior investigators as part-time appointments, including a
part-time neuropathologist as required for the neuropathology core of an
Alzheimer's disease research center.
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(f)
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The Alzheimer's disease and related dementias
research center of Hawaii may:
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(1)
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Engage in international research
collaborations;
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(2)
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Undertake research studies and clinical
trials; and
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(3)
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Participate in projects and programs of the
National Institutes of Health and National Institute on Aging, including but
not limited to Alzheimer's disease research centers.
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(g)
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The Alzheimer's disease and related dementias
research center of Hawaii shall submit an annual report to the legislature no
later than twenty days prior to the convening of each regular session.
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The report shall include:
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(1)
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A summary of research activities,
collaborations, and clinical trials conducted;
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(2)
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Progress toward securing federal funding and
designation by the National Institute on Aging as an Alzheimer's disease research
center;
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(3)
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Financial expenditures and funding sources;
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(4)
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Community outreach and education efforts; and
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(5)
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Recommendations for future legislative or
budgetary support."
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SECTION 3.
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There is appropriated out of the general
revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $375,000 or so much thereof as may
be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 to establish the Alzheimer's disease and
related dementias research center of Hawaii pursuant to this Act, including
establishing the following positions in the University of Hawaii John A. Burns
school of medicine:
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(1)
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One full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) faculty
senior clinician scientist position; and
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(2)
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One full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) administrative
lead staff position.
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The sum
appropriated shall be expended by the University of Hawaii for the purposes of
this Act.
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SECTION 4.
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This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2026.
INTRODUCED BY:
_____________________________
Report Title:
Alzheimer's
Disease and Related Dementias Research Center; University of Hawaii; JABSOM;
Appropriation
Description:
Establishes and appropriates funds for an Alzheimer's Disease
and Related Dementias Research Center at the University of Hawaii, including
the establishment of two full-time positions.
The summary description
of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is
not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.