The Childhood Obesity Prevention Task Force report has been reviewed by the Governor and sent to the Legislature. The final report can be accessed at http://co.doh.hawaii.gov/sites/LegRpt/2013/Reports/1/ACT%20269.pdf

As the session proceeds, we will continue to update you on bills and resolutions that are based on the policy recommendations of the obesity prevention task force. Two bills and six resolutions have been introduced.

Sugar Sweetened Beverage Legislation:
HB854
SB1085

Early Childhood Wellness Guidelines:
HB913
SB1144

Concurrent Resolutions:
HCR19 & SCR14 – Breastfeeding
HCR20 & SCR15 – Nutrition Guidelines
HCR21 & SCR16 – Electronic Records
HCR22 & SCR17 – Land Use and Transportation Planning
HCR23 & SCR18 – Obesity Prevention Reimbursement
HCR24 & SCR19 – Physical Education Study

Below is a link forwarded by Josh Green, which provides a portrayal of the effects of sugar sweetened beverages.
http://theweek.com/article/index/234691/video-what-if-coca-colas-polar-bears-actually-drank-coke

How you can help:

Please consider contacting your Senator to express your concerns about health and the development of chronic disease. We need everyone's help. A phone call, email, or fax would be great. It doesn't have to be long.

Who to contact:

Below is a list of the extremely important members of the Senate Judicial/Labor Committee.

Kaneohe to Kunia

Senator Clayton Hee - Senator
Chair, Senate Judicial/Labor Committee
http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/memberpage.aspx?member=hee

Westside

Senator Maile Shimabukuro, Vice Chair, Senate Judicial/Labor Committee
http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/memberpage.aspx?member=shimabukuro

Kapolei, Makakilo, Portions of Ewa, Kalaeloa and Waipahu

Senator Mike Gabbard, Senate Judicial/Labor Committee
http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/memberpage.aspx?member=gabbard

Kaimuki, Kapahulu, Palolo, St. Louis Heights, Maunalani Heights, Moiliili, Ala Wai

Senator Les Ihara, Jr, Senate Judicial/Labor Committee
http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/memberpage.aspx?member=ihara

Kapahulu, Kalihi to some of Aiea/Halawa

Senator Donna Mercado Kim (Senate President)
http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/memberpage.aspx?member=kim

Please also contact your Health Committee members to be sure they are completely onboard.

Liliha, Palama, Iwilei, Kalihi, Nu‘uanu, Pacific Heights, Pauoa, Lower Tantalus, Downtown

Senator Suzanne Chun Oakland
http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/memberpage.aspx?member=chunoakland

Waipahu, Crestview, Manana, Pearl City, Pacific Palisades

Senator Clarence Nishihara
http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/memberpage.aspx?member=nishihara