[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 163 (Wednesday, November 4, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2707]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    THE INTRODUCTION OF THE NATIVE HAWAIIAN HEALTH CARE IMPROVEMENT 
                      REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2009

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. MAZIE K. HIRONO

                               of hawaii

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 4, 2009

  Ms. HIRONO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce the Native 
Hawaiian Health Care Improvement Reauthorization Act of 2009. This 
legislation is a companion to S. 76, which was introduced earlier this 
year by Senator Daniel K. Inouye.
  Native Hawaiians, like American Indians and Alaska Natives, are an 
indigenous, native people. The Native Hawaiian Health Care Act of 1988, 
42 U.S.C. 11701 et seq., provided the authority for the establishment 
of a range of programs and services designed to improve the health care 
status of the native people of Hawaii. While Native Hawaiian health 
care programs have been continuously funded since 1988, they have not 
been reauthorized since 1992. The bill I introduce today will 
reauthorize the Native Hawaiian Health Care Act through 2014.
  Native Hawaiians have the highest cancer mortality rates in the State 
of Hawaii--216.8 out of every 100,000 male residents and 191.6 out of 
every 100,000 female residents. These cancer rates are 21 percent 
higher than for the total state male population--179.0 out of every 
100,000 residents--and 64 percent higher than that for the total state 
female population--117.0 per 100,000. With respect to breast cancer, 
Native Hawaiians have the highest mortality rates in the State of 
Hawaii and nationally Native Hawaiians have the third highest mortality 
rates.
  The death rate from heart disease for Native Hawaiians is 68 percent 
higher than that for the entire population of the State of Hawaii. The 
death rate from hypertension is 84 percent higher and the death rate 
from stroke is 20 percent higher for Native Hawaiians than for the 
general population of the State of Hawaii.
  Congress has previously recognized the unique and historical 
relationship between the United States and the indigenous people of 
Hawaii. I urge my colleagues continued support for the health and well-
being of Native Hawaiians.
  Mahalo (thank you).

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