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SB1154
THE SENATE
S.B. NO.
1154
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025
STATE OF HAWAII
A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING
TO HEALTH
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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 the establishment of a local, certified environmental
toxins laboratory is necessary for the health and welfare of the State.
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Hawaii's unique geographic location means
that shipping samples to mainland laboratories can result in significant
delays.
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For example, during the 2021 Red
Hill fuel spill, delays in shipping samples to the mainland resulted in residents'
prolonged exposure to contaminated water.
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A local laboratory would enable faster
analysis and response to environmental incidents, ensuring that remedial
actions can be taken promptly to protect public health and the environment.
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The legislature further finds that a local
laboratory staffed with experts who have an understanding of Hawaii's unique
environmental conditions and challenges, and who can accurately interpret test
results accordingly, could help the State's leaders make informed decisions
about environmental management and public health.
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A local laboratory would also reduce the
costs associated with shipping samples to mainland laboratories, which could be
redirected towards other critical environmental and public health initiatives.
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The legislature further finds that having a
local laboratory would enhance public trust in the testing process by providing
greater transparency and accessibility to test results.
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Residents would have confidence that their
samples are being analyzed promptly and accurately by a trusted local
institution.
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A local laboratory would further
provide valuable resources for research and educational institutions in the
State, including opportunities for collaboration, internships, and hands-on
learning experiences for students and researchers, fostering the next
generation of environmental scientists and public health professionals.
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The legislature further finds that, in the
event of natural disasters or other emergencies, having a local laboratory
would ensure that Hawaii has the necessary infrastructure to quickly assess and
address environmental hazards.
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This
capability is essential for protecting public health and the environment during
crises.
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The legislature additionally finds that delays
in receiving lab results due to shipping samples to the mainland can cause
avoidable harm to human health and the environment.
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For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic,
delays in testing and receiving results from mainland laboratories led to
prolonged quarantine periods and delayed treatment for affected individuals.
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A local laboratory would mitigate such delays
and ensure timely access to critical health information.
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The legislature further finds that, without
a local certified laboratory, the department of health cannot affirm and
substantiate test results relating to environmental toxins.
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Certified laboratories are essential for
ensuring the accuracy and reliability of environmental toxin tests.
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A local certified laboratory would promote
timely and accurate results.
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Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to
require the university of Hawaii John A. Burns school of medicine to construct,
establish, and operate a disease and environmental toxins testing laboratory to
test samples submitted by the public for diseases; water, air, and soil
quality; and complex testing.
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SECTION 2.
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Chapter 304A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new
section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
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�304A-
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Testing laboratory; established; diseases;
quality of air, water, soil, and biological specimens.
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(a)
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The university of Hawaii John A. Burns school of medicine shall:
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(1)
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Establish and operate a laboratory
capable of:
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(A)
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Testing for diseases;
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(B)
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Testing for the presence of toxins
in samples of air, water, soil, and biological and other specimens; and
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(C)
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Conducting other high complexity
testing; and
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(2)
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Ensure that the laboratory complies
with all applicable standards enumerated in the Clinical Laboratories
Improvement Amendments of 1988, title 42 United States Code section 263a.
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(b)
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The laboratory established pursuant to
subsection (a) shall receive and analyze samples submitted by any person who
reasonably believes that the sample contains disease or environmental toxins in
violation of applicable law.
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(c)
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In operating the laboratory, the university
of Hawaii John A. Burns school of medicine shall ensure prompt and full public
access to the results of analyses of all submissions of testing samples
submitted to the laboratory.
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The university
of Hawaii John A. Burns school of medicine shall provide complete reports of
all submissions no later than ten days after receipt of the submissions.
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SECTION 3.
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The university of Hawaii John A. Burns school of medicine may obtain and
expend federal funds for the construction and operation of the testing
laboratory established pursuant to this Act.
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However, if the university of Hawaii John A. Burns school of medicine is
unable to obtain firm commitment from the federal government for the adequate
financing of the laboratory within nine months of the effective date of this
Act, the university of Hawaii John A. Burns school of medicine shall proceed
expeditiously to construct and begin initial operations of the laboratory using
the funds appropriated by this Act.
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SECTION 4.
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The university of Hawaii John A. Burns school of medicine shall submit a
report on its progress of establishing a laboratory pursuant to this Act, to
the legislature no later than thirty days prior to the convening of the regular
session of 2026.
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SECTION 5.
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The director of finance is authorized to issue general obligation bonds
in the sum of $ or
so much thereof as may be necessary and the same sum or so much thereof as may
be necessary is appropriated for fiscal year 2025-2026 for the purpose of
financing the construction of an environmental toxins testing laboratory.
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The sum
appropriated shall be expended by the university of Hawaii John A. Burns
school of medicine for the purposes of this Act.
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SECTION 6.
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The appropriation made for the capital improvement project authorized by
this Act shall not lapse at the end of the fiscal biennium for which the
appropriation is made; provided that all moneys from the appropriation
unencumbered as of June 30, 2028, shall lapse as of that date.
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SECTION 7.
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This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2025.
INTRODUCED BY:
_____________________________
Report Title:
UH;
JABSOM; Disease and Environmental Toxins Testing Laboratory; Report; CIP; GO
Bonds; Appropriation
Description:
Requires
the University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine to construct,
establish, and operate a disease and environmental toxins testing laboratory to
test samples submitted by the public for diseases; water, air, and soil
quality; and complex testing.
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Requires a
report to the Legislature.
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Authorizes
the Director of Finance to issue general obligation bonds.
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Appropriates funds.
The summary description
of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is
not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.