REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO REDUCE THE USE OF DISPOSABLE SURGICAL EQUIPMENT AND ADOPT SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES IN THE PROVISION OF HEALTH CARE SERVICES FOLLOWING EXAMPLES SET BY CALIFORNIA AND JAPAN.

This House Resolution (HR 187) requests Hawaii's Department of Health to reduce disposable surgical equipment use and adopt sustainable practices in healthcare, following California and Japan's models. It directs the Department to develop guidelines, encourage partnerships with sterilization companies, and submit a 2026 report on cost savings and environmental benefits. The resolution directly affects Hawaii's healthcare facilities and the Department of Health, urging them to explore reusable equipment options without mandating legal changes. It focuses on reducing medical waste and costs while maintaining patient safety standards.