Bill Text: HI SB2328 | 2010 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Holidays; Mesothelioma Awareness Day
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 7-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2010-01-22 - (S) Referred to HTH. [SB2328 Detail]
Download: Hawaii-2010-SB2328-Introduced.html
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THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
2328 |
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TWENTY-FIFTH LEGISLATURE, 2010 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
relating to holidays.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that mesothelioma is a terminal, asbestos-related cancer that affects the linings of the lungs, abdomen, heart, and testicles. Workers exposed to asbestos on a daily basis over a long period of time are most at risk of acquiring mesothelioma, but even short-term exposure may cause the disease, and exposure to asbestos for as little as one month can result in mesothelioma as late as fifty years later. The legislature further finds that asbestos was used in the construction of virtually all office buildings, public schools, and homes built before 1975, and asbestos is still used in over three thousand products that are sold in the United States.
The legislature finds that, for decades, the need to develop treatments for mesothelioma was overlooked, and today, even the best available treatments usually have only a very limited effect. The expected survival time of those diagnosed with mesothelioma is between eight and fourteen months.
The legislature further finds that mesothelioma regularly affects workers who have come into contact with asbestos on the job, including a high percentage of United States Navy personnel and shipyard workers who have been exposed on Navy ships and in shipyards. Additionally, it is believed that many of the firefighters, police officers, and rescue workers in New York City who responded to the disaster at the World Trade Center after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks are at risk for developing mesothelioma in the future.
The legislature finds that in 1999, the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation was formed for the purpose of eradicating mesothelioma as a life-ending disease, and early progress in developing effective treatments for the disease is now being made. The legislature finds that efforts to eliminate mesothelioma could be assisted by raising public awareness about the disease and its causes so that those who are at risk may receive information and screening that may save their lives.
The purpose of this Act is to recognize September 26 of each year as Mesothelioma Awareness Day to raise awareness of the disease and encourage those at risk to receive screening for the disease.
SECTION 2. Chapter 8, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§8- Mesothelioma Awareness Day. September 26 of each year shall be known as and recognized as "Mesothelioma Awareness Day" to raise public awareness about mesothelioma and the need to develop effective treatments and a cure for this fatal disease. All citizens are encouraged to learn more about mesothelioma on Mesothelioma Awareness Day, and if they are at risk for contracting the disease, to arrange for mesothelioma screening. This day is not and shall not be construed as a state holiday."
SECTION 3. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.
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INTRODUCED BY: |
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Report Title:
Holidays; Mesothelioma Awareness Day
Description:
Establishes September 26 as Mesothelioma Awareness Day.
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
