STAND. COM. REP. NO. 187-04

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2004

RE: H.B. No. 1799

 

 

 

Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2004

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Health, to which was referred H.B. No. 1799 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC SCHOOL NUTRITION,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this bill is to promote a healthier diet and lifestyle among public school students. Specifically, this bill requires that food and drink items dispensed by vending machines in public schools comply with nutritional standards established by the Board of Education.

The Hawaii State Teachers Association, American Academy of Pediatrics-Hawaii Chapter, Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii, Hawaii Medical Service Association, and several concerned individuals supported this bill. The Department of Education (DOE) supported the intent of this measure. The Hawaii Food Industry Association, National Soft Drink Association, Grocery Manufacturers of America, and a concerned individual opposed the bill. The Board of Education, Pepsi Bottling Group, and Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Hawaii submitted comments.

Your Committee finds that nutritional standards maintained by DOE do not apply to items sold in public school vending machines. Research indicates that poor dietary habits are a leading cause of obesity in children and that Hawaii has more than doubled its percentage of obese children in the past ten years. This measure

will ensure that school-aged children will have access to vending machines that provide nutritionally acceptable items that promote a healthy diet and lifestyle.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Health that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1799 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to the Committee on Education.

 

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Health,

 

____________________________

DENNIS A. ARAKAKI, Chair