Bill > SB1154

This bill requires the University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine to establish and operate a comprehensive disease and environmental toxins testing laboratory, addressing critical gaps in Hawaii's current testing infrastructure. The laboratory will be capable of analyzing samples for diseases, environmental toxins, and conducting complex testing, with a mandate to comply with federal Clinical Laboratories Improvement Amendments standards. Motivated by past experiences such as the Red Hill fuel spill and COVID-19 pandemic, which highlighted delays in sample testing when relying on mainland laboratories, the bill aims to provide faster, more accessible, and locally tailored testing capabilities. The laboratory will be required to receive samples from the public, conduct analyses, and provide complete test results within ten days, with the goal of enhancing public health response, environmental management, and scientific research. To support this initiative, the bill authorizes the Director of Finance to issue general obligation bonds for construction, allows the university to seek federal funding, and requires the submission of a progress report to the legislature before the 2026 regular session. The laboratory is intended to provide greater transparency, reduce testing costs, create educational opportunities, and ensure prompt environmental and health hazard assessments unique to Hawaii's geographic context.

Education

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=1154&year=2026