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.

HCR 145 is a resolution urging Hawaii's Department of Education and Department of Health to collaborate on creating a strategic plan for the state's potential participation in the CDC's national autism prevalence surveillance program. It directs these agencies to identify necessary resources, train staff, and establish data-sharing agreements to prepare for seeking federal funding under the Autism CARES Act. The resolution specifically aims to help Hawaii gather accurate autism data for its communities - particularly Native Hawaiian and Asian populations where prevalence is higher - supporting better service planning. Agencies must submit a progress report to the legislature by January 2026. This is a preparatory step, not a funding measure, focused on building infrastructure for future CDC collaboration.