In May 2026, Hawaiʻi passed H.B. 1969, appropriating $1.8 million for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026-2027 to develop a public assistance program for state-funded colorectal cancer (CRC) screenings and treatment. This is especially important for patients who are more likely to forgo necessary screenings and care due to financial constraints.
The legislation specifically benefits resident and nonresident aliens, who are ineligible for Medicaid, and residents of Hawaiʻi who are:
- Uninsured (have no health insurance)
- Underinsured (have health insurance, but out-of-pocket costs cause a significant financial burden)
Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer on the Rise
Data captured between 2015-2019 show that the overall age-adjusted incidence rate of CRC in Hawaiʻi was significantly higher than the national average of 37.7 per 100,000, at 39.4 per 100,000, and that Native Hawaiians suffer higher mortality and lower survival rates, largely due to delayed diagnosis.
Today CRC is the leading cause of cancer death among residents of Hawaiʻi under 50. Though incidence of early-onset CRC (EOCRC)—or diagnosis before age 50—is on the rise among all racial-ethnic groups nationwide, Filipino and Japanese populations in Hawaiʻi have the highest incidence rates of EOCRC.
Without financial barriers, patients will have access to the appropriate screening tools at the right time. This means beginning colorectal cancer screenings at age 45, allowing for surgical removal of colon polyps before they develop into cancer or spread to other parts of the body.
It’s All Part of the (Cancer) Plan
The Hawai‘i Cancer Plan (HCP) 2030 is a 10-year strategic plan for cancer prevention and control that blends evidence-based interventions recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention with multi-island educational campaigns to:
- Identify and eliminate cancer disparities
- Increase early detection to reduce late-stage cancer diagnoses
- Provide all residents of Hawaiʻi—including medically under- and uninsured populations—access to state-of-the-art cancer prevention, screening, and treatment
By appropriating state funds to cover the costs of CRC screenings and treatment, H.B. 1969 could significantly reduce cancer incidence and mortality among Hawaiians. The bill would complement and enhance the HCP, reducing health disparities and improving cancer outcomes across the islands.