Bill > HR139

This resolution urges Hawaii's Department of Education, Department of Health, and other stakeholders to develop a strategic plan for participating in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) public health surveillance 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. Specifically, the resolution requests that these agencies identify necessary resources and infrastructure for data collection, engage community organizations to improve autism-related services, establish public health surveillance agreements, and provide a joint report to the Legislature before the 2026 Regular Session. The resolution is motivated by research suggesting that Asians, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders have a higher autism prevalence, and it aims to help Hawaii attract national attention and additional funding while addressing critical workforce shortages in autism-related healthcare and education professions. The effort is further supported by the recently passed federal Autism CARES Act, which provides significant funding for developmental disabilities research and surveillance.

Education, Health and Social Services

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HR&billnumber=139&year=2025