Bill would have schools watch for concussions

As a high school athlete, if Scott Fuji­wara sprains an ankle or turns a knee, the natural instinct is to "tough it out," he told lawmakers.

The same goes if he suffers a head injury, he said.

"However, since concussions can result in much worse than a permanent limp, we should be educated about symptoms and risks," the junior at Hana­lani Schools told two state Senate panels Friday. "My coaches must know when to pull me and my teammates from a game, even if we think we can tough it out."

Fujiwara was one of about a dozen high school students who testified in support of a proposal to require the Department of Education and the Hawaii High School Athletic Association to develop a concussion awareness program to provide guidelines for public and private schools.

One by one, students told lawmakers of their experiences — good and bad — in dealing with concussions.

"As a football player, I have seen the effects of concussions on my teammates on and off the field," Punahou sophomore Kendrick Leong said. "Not only do they have to take time off of practice and possibly risk their participation in games, more importantly, they often miss school as well."

Kiana Pigao, a sophomore at Wai­mea High School, told of a friend who "forgot basic knowledge from his core classes" after suffering a concussion.

"No one was able to assist him because of their lack of knowledge on what to do," she said. "This situation brought him much frustration and put him at a standstill in his educational progress.

"It is crucial that people are aware of the signs of a concussion so that coaches and parents may catch it before it becomes any worse."

The senate committees on health and education advanced the measure, which still would have to clear the chamber’s Ways and Means Committee. The proposal already has been approved by the House.

"It’s really about the kids, right?" said Sen. Clarence Nishi­hara (D, Wai­pahu-Pearl City), vice chairman of the Health Committee. "I thought it was really important to hear from them.

"There are the kids and their classmates that are affected by these types of concussive injuries as a result of the sports they play."

The proposal also was supported by the Department of Education, the Hawaii Medical Association, the Hawaii Medical Service Association, the Keiki Injury Prevention Coalition and the Hawaii Athletic Trainers Association.

The Hawaii Medical Association estimates that more than 40 percent of high school athletes who have concussions return to action prematurely.

"Recognizing and responding properly to concussions when they first occur can help prevent further injury or even death," Susan La­Foun­taine, co-chairwoman of the Keiki Injury Prevention Coalition, said in testimony. "Because the results of these injuries are cumulative, it is essential that they be prevented at the youth level."