URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, AND OTHER RELEVANT STAKEHOLDERS TO COLLABORATE AND DEVELOP A STRATEGIC PLAN TO PREPARE FOR HAWAII'S PURSUIT OF FUNDING FOR AND PARTICIPATION IN THE CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION'S PUBLIC HEALTH SURVEILLANCE FOR ESTIMATING AUTISM PREVALENCE.

This House Resolution (HR 139) urges Hawaii's Department of Education, Department of Health, and relevant stakeholders to collaborate on a strategic plan to prepare for potential participation in the CDC's national autism prevalence surveillance program. It directly affects state agencies and community stakeholders by requesting they develop infrastructure for data collection, identify necessary resources, and engage providers to support CDC's autism monitoring efforts. The resolution focuses on gathering accurate autism prevalence data for Hawaii - particularly for Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities where rates are higher - rather than creating new services or funding. It is non-binding and aims to position Hawaii to seek CDC funding under the Autism CARES Act, with a requirement for a progress report to the legislature by 2026.