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House panel advances emergency funding to expand Maui wildfire exposure study
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Summary
The state House committee voted to pass HB 2340, an emergency appropriation to expand the University of Hawaii’s Maui wildfire exposure study and health registry after multiple survivors, clinicians and program leaders testified that the study provides life‑saving screening, referrals and workforce training.
The House Committee on Higher Education voted Feb. 13 to pass House Bill 2340, an emergency appropriation to the University of Hawaii to expand and sustain the Maui wildfire exposure study and Maui health registry.
The committee advanced the bill with the chair’s recommendation to pass with amendments after supporters described the program as more than research. Dana Moore of Hawaii Community Health told lawmakers that Maui West “is a trusted point of contact for our community,” providing culturally informed screening and follow‑up care. “Funding it is an investment in sustainable solutions, not band aids on gaping wounds,” Moore said.
Ruben Cuares, a UHERO professor and co‑director of the Maui wildfire exposure study, said the program provides real‑time health screenings, mental‑health support and direct referrals to survivors across Maui and urged continued funding to expand services for children. Christopher, the study’s mental‑health team lead, told the committee the program currently has about 2,000 participants but only 200 children enrolled and that a larger appropriation would allow the program to reach more young people and hire outreach staff.
Clinicians described cases identified through the study that required urgent care. Amy Jackson said she was referred to an emergency room after tests conducted by the study revealed serious anemia; Dr. Paulia Morincol, a medical epidemiologist, said staff had referred participants for urgent treatment for high blood sugars and blood pressure.
Committee members asked how requested funding would be used. Witnesses said roughly $1.5 million would sustain operations through June, while $3 million would enable expanded testing and outreach, pay for costly lab processing for heavy‑metal analyses and allow hiring of social workers to reach homebound residents. Christopher told the committee that certain specialized tests are sent out of state and “it’s, like, just $800 alone per participant” for some analyses.
The chair also noted a governor’s message seeking expedited consideration. In decision making, the committee adopted the chair’s recommendation; the vice chair called the roll and recorded ayes from the chair and vice chair and the present members, with Representative Keelig excused. The measure will move next to the finance committee.
The committee record includes written and oral support from local officials, the Hawaii Medical Association, American Cancer Society, American Lung Association in Hawaii, Kaiser Permanente and other public‑health groups. Next steps: HB 2340 goes to finance for further consideration.
