Bill > HCR145

This joint resolution urges the Hawaii Department of Education, Department of Health, and other stakeholders to develop a strategic plan for pursuing participation in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) public health surveillance program to estimate autism prevalence. The resolution highlights the increasing prevalence of autism spectrum disorder, which now affects one in thirty-six children nationwide, and notes that Hawaii has never been included in the CDC's Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network. The resolution specifically requests that these agencies identify necessary resources and infrastructure improvements for comprehensive data collection, engage community organizations and healthcare providers, establish public health surveillance agreements, and provide a joint report to the Legislature by the 2026 Regular Session. The resolution emphasizes the importance of this effort, particularly given research suggesting higher autism prevalence among Asians, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders, and the potential to attract national attention and additional funding to support families affected by autism. Additionally, the resolution notes the recent Autism CARES Act, which provides $2 billion over five years and creates opportunities for future funding of autism prevalence monitoring.

Education, Health and Social Services

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HCR&billnumber=145&year=2025