STAND. COM. REP. NO.  1136-08

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2008

 

RE:   H.R. No. 114

 

 

 

 

Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Fourth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2008

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Health, to which was referred H.R. No. 114 entitled:

 

"HOUSE RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE DIRECTOR OF HEALTH TO FORM A WORK GROUP TO EXPLORE THE NEED TO BAN OR BETTER LABEL PRODUCTS CONTAINING THE ARTIFICIAL SWEETENER ASPARTAME,"

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     The purpose of this resolution is to address the concerns regarding the safety of aspartame and it's effects on people by forming a work group to explore the need to ban or better label products containing the artificial sweetener aspartame.

 

     The Mission Possible International, and several concerned individuals supported this resolution. The Department of Health, American Beverage Association, Hawaii Food Industry Association, Calorie Control Council opposed this resolution. The Hawaii Dietetic Association submitted comments.

 

     Your Committee finds that the dialogue is valuable on this issue and it is important to continue this dialogue by passing this measure. Some questions were raised regarding the membership on the work group, therefore, the Committee on Economic Development & Business Concerns and Consumer Protection & Commerce are respectfully requested to look into this matter.

 

 

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Health that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of H.R. No. 114 and recommends that it be referred to the Committees on Economic Development & Business Concerns and Consumer Protection & Commerce.

 

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Health,

 

 

 

 

____________________________

JOSHUA B. GREEN, M.D., Chair