Report Title:

Obesity; Physical Activity and Nutrition Coalition Task Force

Description:

Establishes the physical activity and nutrition coalition task force for the State.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

379

TWENTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2005

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 


 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

relating to the Physical Activity and nutrition coalition task force.

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that obesity is considered to be the major health issue of the twenty first century. Obesity rates have soared throughout the United States, with an estimated two-thirds of the adult population self-reporting being overweight, (approximately sixty five per cent) and almost one-third obese (approximately thirty one per cent). Based upon the body mass index, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that more than forty four million Americans were considered obese in 2001, an increase of seventy four percent in ten years. Moreover, the legislature notes that these same trends are occurring worldwide. The World Health Organization and the International Obesity Task Force have confirmed a worldwide epidemic, even as some developing countries struggle with undernourishment or famine.

Obesity in childhood, particularly adolescence, is a predictor for obesity in adulthood. The number of overweight children in the United States has doubled in the past thirty years, with similar patterns occurring throughout the world and in Hawaii. The legislature finds that, while not enough research has been done on childhood obesity in Hawaii, data from the youth risk behavior survey reports that approximately one-third of Hawaii's students consider themselves to be overweight, with another sixteen per cent at risk for becoming overweight.

The legislature finds that obesity is dramatically increasing among adults and children in Hawaii. According to the 2002 behavioral risk factor surveillance survey, which provides some of the best estimates of obesity prevalence rates, all ethnic groups in Hawaii had more than one-third reporting being overweight. Furthermore, of ethnic groups represented in Hawaii, native Hawaiians reported the highest proportions (approximately thirty eight per cent), followed by "others" (approximately twenty per cent), and Caucasian (approximately seventeen per cent). Japanese and Filipinos (each approximately nine per cent) had the lowest proportions.

People who are overweight or obese are at risk for numerous health conditions including type two diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, dyslipidemia, some specific cancers, gallstones, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, premature death, sleep apnea, and respiratory problems, as well as poorer physical functioning status and lower life expectancy. Furthermore, the rise in obesity coincides so dramatically with an increased prevalence of diabetes that obesity and diabetes have been called "twin epidemics". At the same time, it is known that type two diabetes is preventable in nine out of ten cases through weight control, exercise, a healthy diet, and not smoking. The legislature, however, notes that research shows that the vast majority of Hawaii’s population is not getting enough physical activity or the recommended servings of fruits or vegetables each day. The health problems associated with obesity and overweight among children and teens are similar to those in the adult population.

The legislature declares that obesity among adults and children is a problem of epidemic proportions in Hawaii. Furthermore, the legislature finds that obesity is a problem that needs to be addressed on a variety of levels. While increasing physical activity and developing habits of proper nutrition are considered effective methods for curbing rates of obesity, Hawaii does not yet have a plan to put such strategies into place. The purpose of this Act is to establish the physical activity and nutrition coalition task force for the State. The legislature finds, as the primary risk factors for obesity are sedentary behavior and the lack of physical exercise, such a coalition will be central in supporting physical activity and proper nutrition for citizens of the State. The task force's primary responsibility will be to develop a state nutrition and physical activity plan to address obesity in Hawaii.

SECTION 2. Chapter 321, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§321- Physical activity and nutrition coalition task force. (a) The physical activity and nutrition coalition task force is established within the department of health, which shall provide all necessary administrative and staff support for the coalition.

(b) The task force shall consist of twenty members, who shall not be subject to senate confirmation. The members shall be appointed by the governor, without regard to section 26-34, from lists of nominees submitted by:

(1) The director of health as follows:

(A) Two representatives from the department of health;

(B) One representative from the Academy of Pediatrics Hawaii chapter;

(C) One registered dietician;

(D) One practicing pediatrician;

(E) One representative from the University of Hawaii school of medicine, department of pediatrics;

(F) One representative from the American Heart Association;

(G) One representative from a native Hawaiian health organization;

(H) One representative from the health insurance industry; and

(I) One representative from the childhood obesity task force; and

(2) The superintendent of education as follows:

(A) One representative from the department of education;

(B) One member of the board of education;

(C) One representative of Kamehameha schools;

(D) One member to represent jointly the University of Hawaii department of kinesiology and leisure science and the University of Hawaii department of sports medicine;

(E) One representative from the Hawaii Parent Teacher Association.

(c) The governor shall appoint the following task force members:

(1) One representative from the department of transportation;

(2) One representative from a county department having jurisdiction over parks and recreation;

(3) One media representative; and

(4) Two members at-large.

(d) The task force by majority vote shall elect one member to serve as chairperson for a one-year term.

(e) The governor shall ensure, insofar as possible, that the appointees to the task force reflect the composition of the population of Hawaii with regard to ethnicity, race, gender, age, and religion and fairly represent the neighbor islands.

(f) The governor shall make appointments to the task force not later than thirty days after the effective date of this Act. The governor shall fill any vacancy on the task force using the criteria set out in this section for the original appointment.

(g) Members of the task force shall serve without pay, but may be reimbursed for necessary expenses, including travel expenses, incurred in the performance of official duties if funds are available.

(h) The task force shall meet at least monthly or more frequently at the discretion of the chairperson.

(i) The chairperson of the task force may establish committees for the purpose of information gathering pursuant to the task force's duties and may appoint non-task force members from any state or county executive agency, health and community associations and organizations, or related entities to serve on each committee as resource persons. Resource persons shall be voting members of the committees and shall serve without pay but may be reimbursed for expenses, including travel expenses, incurred in the performance of official duties if funds are available. Committees shall meet as frequently as needed to accomplish the purposes of this part, at the discretion of the chairperson.

(j) A majority of the task force shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of its business.

(k) The primary tasks of the coalition shall include, but not be limited to the following:

(1) Developing a state nutrition and physical activity plan, including systems to ensure implementation, and a pediatric obesity component;

(2) Developing physical activity and nutrition standards;

(3) Promoting consistent messages for physical activity and nutrition through and among the task force members;

(4) Monitoring and evaluating results and reporting on outcomes; and

(5) Providing policy recommendations.

(l) Beginning in 2006, the task force shall submit an annual report no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of the legislature, to both the legislature and the governor. The annual report shall address, but not be limited to the following:

(1) Progress made by the coalition in developing the state physical activity and nutrition plan;

(2) Proposed physical activity and nutrition standards;

(3) Policy recommendations; and

(4) Recommended strategies or actions to reduce the prevalence rate for pediatric and adult obesity in the State.

(m) The task force shall cease to exist on June 30, 2010.

(n) The director of health may adopt rules in accordance with chapter 91 to implement the purposes of this chapter."

SECTION 3. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:

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