HONOLULU - On Wednesday, the state Legislature passed a measure to aid in the fight against colorectal cancer as cases and deaths continue to rise in Hawai'i from the disease, particularly in younger people. If signed by Gov. Josh Green, HB 1969 will expand access and screenings for residents across all islands, and treatment for uninsured individuals.
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) hailed the measure as a major step forward in addressing the cancer burden in Hawai'i and establishing the state as a leader in access to care as it relates to colorectal cancer.
This legislation is the result of years of collaboration between volunteer advocates, numerous public health organizations, clinicians and lawmakers who championed the proposal from its inception.
State Rep. Cory Chun, who first began working on the policy in 2012, called its passage a “full circle” moment during remarks inside the House chambers.
“There are so many colleagues and advocates, both present and former to thank for the passage of this bill,” Chun said. “Colorectal cancer has become a major problem in our state. The disease often goes undetected without presenting symptoms. This means delaying screening can have deadly consequences. Advancements in screening now allow us to catch this disease early, which means it’s critical for Hawai’i residents, especially those who are uninsured, have access to screening and treatment.”
Chun also recognized the late former Vice Speaker Jackie Young as a champion for cancer patients and their families, noting she would have been "proud to know that the legislature prioritized cancer screenings for people in our community that need it the most."
Colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable and treatable cancers when detected early, yet it remains the second-leading cause of cancer death in Hawai’i. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), an estimated 840 residents will be diagnosed and 260 will die from the disease this year alone. Cases among people younger than 50 are rising, as well, with incidence increasing nearly 3.5% annually from 2013 to 2022, according to the Hawai’i Tumor Registry.
“By passing this bill, Hawai’i legislators are giving hope to our community,” said Cynthia Au, ACS CAN Hawai’i Government Relations Director. “Cost continues to be a major barrier to screening and it shouldn’t be. Those without insurance are far more likely to be diagnosed at later stages when treatment can be less effective. This bill will help ensure more people get screened and treated earlier, when outcomes are best.”
An ACS study released in January found colorectal cancer is the only major cancer with increasing mortality among people younger than 50, making it a leading cause of cancer death for that age group.
For ACS CAN volunteer and colorectal cancer survivor, Mark Vasconcellos of O’ahu, the passage of this bill is deeply personal.
“Preventative care saved my life,” Vasconcellos said. “I underwent my first colonoscopy at age 50 and doctors found a golf ball sized tumor in my stomach. I had no symptoms or pain. If I dad I waited to get screened, the outcome could have been much worse. Our ohana deserves the same fighting chance that I had.”
ACS CAN would like to recognize and thank numerous people who played a role in getting this bill passed including state Reps. Cory Chun, Gregg Takayama, Lisa Marten, Tina Grandenetti, Sue Keohokapu-Lee Loy and state Sens. Jarrett Keohokalole, Glenn Wakai, Joy San Buenaventura and others.
We encourage the governor to sign the bill into law ahead of its July 1 effective date.