Report Title:

UH, Research, Cloning, stem Cells

Description:

Makes appropriation to the department of anatomy and molecular biology at UH to conduct research on cloning mouse stem cells. (SD1)

THE SENATE

S.B. NO.

2457

TWENTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE, 2002

S.D. 1

STATE OF HAWAII

 


 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

RELATING TO MOUSE EMBRYONIC STEM CELL RESEARCH.

 

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

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that the University of Hawaii's department of anatomy and reproductive biology has been extremely successful in animal cloning research. In 1998, a research team lead by Dr. Ryuzo Yanagimachi from the University of Hawaii captured international attention with the announcement of the successful cloning of more than fifty identical mice in three generations through the "Honolulu Technique"--a unique methodology that only the University of Hawaii and two other research corporations are able to legally employ. This restricted access to the Honolulu Technique puts the University of Hawaii at an advantage in mouse embryo research and should therefore be capitalized upon.

The successful cloning of mice proved that viable mammalian offspring may be produced from adult somatic cells. Such research could eventually lead to more efficient and less controversial methods of producing embryonic stem cells. The development and perfection of this protocol will allow scientists to derive stem cells without utilizing actual fertilized embryos, helping to lay to rest the moral issues associated with using actual fertilized embryos for research purposes. Thus, the long-term research goals at the University of Hawaii pertain to the isolation and utilization of embryonic stem cells to replace dysfunctional cells and tissues that cause certain diseases and disorders in animal models.

Stem cell research may lead to the development of effective treatments for heart disease, diabetes, cancer, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's and many other ailments that have plagued our society for years. Recent advancements in science and technology have offered hope to individuals whose lives have been drastically interrupted with the onset of such devastating illnesses. The emerging field of regenerative medicine focuses on developing techniques in which stem cells are used to therapeutically replace damaged tissue. Thus stem cells have the potential to save thousands of lives. Because scientists utilize animal models as predictive instruments for human response, research on animal models is pivotal for the advancement of such research.

Although Hawaii is taking bold steps to vastly improve its biotechnology industry, researchers at the University of Hawaii are constantly dealing with financial difficulties. World-renowned professors such as Dr. Yanagimachi and his research associates are working diligently to write proposals for National Institute of Health grants in order to gain the needed financial resources. Obtaining these grants requires a long process that does not guarantee actual funds for research. It may unfortunately be the case that top-notch scientists remain benched in their facilities due to the lack of financial support, while research projects that could otherwise be accomplished remain as mere reveries of eager scientists.

The legislature further finds that the University of Hawaii's department of anatomy and reproductive biology stands at the threshold of unprecedented opportunities to further build on its research, which may eventually lead to greater international prominence and excellence. Unfortunately, the lack of adequate resources would greatly reduce the department's chances to actively pursue and influence the development of advanced research techniques. There is also the potential for successful research in this area to result in financial return to the State.

The purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds to conduct research on cloning mouse stem cells, to provide a crucial bridge toward curing devastating illnesses in humans.

SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $ , or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2002-2003, for the department of anatomy and molecular biology at the University of Hawaii to conduct research on mouse embryos in order to develop novel techniques for deriving mouse embryonic stem cells.

SECTION 3. The sum appropriated shall be expended by the University of Hawaii for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2002.