Healthcare

passed both · Hawaii · Senate May 1, 2026

SB 2657: RELATING TO ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE AND RELATED DEMENTIAS RESEARCH.

Establishes the Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias Research Center of Hawaii (Research Center) within the University of Hawaii. Requires the Research Center to be administratively affiliated with the University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM). Requires JABSOM, the Research Center, University of Hawaii Center on Aging, and University of Hawaii at Manoa to identify opportunities to capitalize on collaboration between the parties and maximize operational efficiencies. Requires the Research Center to submit annual reports to the Legislature. Establishes positions. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareEstablishes Alzheimer's research center with funding, requiring collaboration to advance dementia research and treatment within healthcare system.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

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passed both · Hawaii · House May 1, 2026

HB 1972: RELATING TO TAXATION.

Establishes a family caregiver tax credit for nonpaid family caregivers. Requires the Department of Taxation to submit annual reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Applies to taxable years beginning after 12/31/2026. Effective 1/1/2050. (SD1)

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates family caregiver tax credit (tax relief) and appropriates funds, aligning with support indicators for middle-income tax relief and fiscal responsibility.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareFamily caregiver tax credit reduces financial burden on unpaid caregivers, improving access to in-home healthcare support for patients.75% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

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passed both · Hawaii · Senate May 1, 2026

SB 2089: RELATING TO MENTAL HEALTH.

Expands the services eligible for Medicaid Prospective Payment System reimbursement to include certain services furnished by a federally qualified health center or rural health clinic and provided by mental health professionals under the clinical supervision of a licensed mental health professional. Requires the Department of Human Services to adopt rules for this purpose and seek federal approvals as necessary. Specifies that implementation is contingent upon and only to the extent approved by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareExpands Medicaid reimbursement for mental health services provided by qualified centers, increasing access and funding for mental health care under Medicaid.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

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passed both · Hawaii · House May 1, 2026

HB 1970: RELATING TO THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII CANCER CENTER.

HB 1970 provides funding for the University of Hawaii Cancer Center's Hawaii Tumor Registry, which tracks cancer cases across the state. The bill directly supports the Cancer Center by enabling its data collection and analysis efforts. Key provisions include appropriating state funds to maintain and expand the registry's operations for cancer surveillance. This policy change focuses on strengthening statewide cancer data systems without altering patient care protocols or insurance coverage.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAppropriates state funds for Hawaii Tumor Registry operations, directly funding a public health program per bill's summary and subjects.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareFunds Hawaii Tumor Registry for cancer surveillance, directly supporting public health data collection and cancer surveillance programs without altering care protocols.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

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passed both · Hawaii · House May 1, 2026

HB 1976: RELATING TO DEMENTIA.

Requires the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, fire chiefs, Law Enforcement Standards Board, and Department of Health to make available at least one hour of dementia‑specific training for first responders, including law enforcement officers, fire first responders, and emergency medical services personnel. Requires the Executive Office on Aging to take certain steps when reviewing and recommending dementia-specific training curricula. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD1)

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRequires dementia-specific training for first responders to improve recognition and care of dementia patients, enhancing emergency healthcare response and patient outcomes.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

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in committee · Hawaii · Senate Apr 30, 2026

GM 707: Submitting for consideration and confirmation to the Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Kaua'i Service Area Board, Gubernatorial Nominee, KANWARDEEP KALEKA, for a term to expire 06-30-2030.

Governor Josh Green has nominated Kanwardeep Kaleka for a position on the Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Kaua'i Service Area Board, with a term ending June 30, 2030. This nomination requires confirmation by the Hawaii State Senate before Kaleka can assume the role. The board serves Kaua'i residents by overseeing mental health and substance abuse services in the region. The process follows Hawaii's constitutional requirement for gubernatorial nominations of board members to be confirmed by the Senate.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareConfirms mental health board member, enabling oversight of Kaua'i mental health services per bill's purpose.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

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passed both · Hawaii · Senate Apr 29, 2026

SB 3199: RELATING TO MENTAL HEALTH.

Establishes the Mental Health Emerging Therapies Task Force within the University of Hawaii at Manoa John A. Burns School of Medicine to prepare the State for the integration of breakthrough therapies, expansion of pathways for clinical trials and clinical research, and development of policy recommendations for safe, ethical, and culturally informed implementation of emerging therapies. Requires reports to the Legislature. Sunsets 6/30/2028. Effective 1/30/2050. (HD1)

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareEstablishes Mental Health Emerging Therapies Task Force to integrate breakthrough therapies, expand clinical trials, and develop policy recommendations for safe implementation, advancing mental health services.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

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passed both · Hawaii · Senate Apr 28, 2026

SB 2090: RELATING TO CHILD CUSTODY.

SB 2090 allows licensed mental health counselors to serve as child custody evaluators, expanding the pool of qualified professionals who can assess children's needs in custody cases. This change directly affects families involved in child custody disputes where mental health evaluations are required. The bill removes previous restrictions that limited this role to certain licensed professionals, enabling counselors with appropriate training to participate. It does not alter custody laws or standards but broadens who can conduct these evaluations. The measure passed a committee recommendation with four supporting votes in January 2026.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareExpands mental health professional access in custody evaluations, directly supporting mental health services by removing restrictions on licensed counselors.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

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passed both · Hawaii · House Apr 27, 2026

HCR 186: URGING THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE AND DEFENSE HEALTH AGENCY TO EXTEND THE RENEWAL PERIOD FOR SECRETARIAL DESIGNEE HEALTH CARE AUTHORIZATIONS RELATED TO THE RED HILL WATER CONTAMINATION CRISIS AND TO IMPROVE HEALTH CARE ACCESS FOR AFFECTED INDIVIDUALS.

This bill urges the U.S. Department of Defense and Defense Health Agency to extend the renewal period for health care authorizations related to the Red Hill water contamination crisis and to improve health care access for affected individuals. It directly impacts military families, civilian residents, and Department of Defense personnel who experienced health issues from fuel contamination at the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility on Oahu. The resolution requests a two-year renewal cycle for Secretarial Designee authorizations to ensure continuity of care, expands access to civilian medical providers under TRICARE, and calls for coordinated referral practices between military and civilian health facilities. Additionally, it asks for the establishment of reimbursement or voucher programs to help affected individuals cover out-of-pocket medical costs, particularly for those living in areas without nearby military treatment facilities.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill urges extension of healthcare authorization renewal periods and improved access for individuals affected by water contamination, directly supporting healthcare access and patient care.90% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill aims to improve healthcare access and extend renewal periods for affected individuals including veterans impacted by Red Hill water contamination crisis95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

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passed both · Hawaii · House Apr 23, 2026

HCR 118: URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO STRENGTHEN MENSTRUAL HEALTH EDUCATION INITIATIVES AND TO ADOPT A COMPREHENSIVE MENSTRUAL CYCLE CURRICULUM.

This bill urges the Hawaii Department of Education to strengthen menstrual health education in public schools and adopt a comprehensive curriculum covering menstrual cycles. It directly affects students, educators, and school administrators by recommending specific educational standards and resources. The resolution outlines five key requirements including age-appropriate content from third through twelfth grade, culturally responsive teaching methods, and the inclusion of hygiene, stigma reduction, and health information. It also calls for libraries to stock age-appropriate books and for teachers to use anatomically correct diagrams when teaching hygiene. The bill emphasizes creating an inclusive, positive learning environment that addresses menstrual dignity through privacy, inclusivity, access, and education.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill explicitly urges strengthening menstrual health education and adopting comprehensive curriculum, directly expanding educational content and student health education programs.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill strengthens menstrual health education in schools, promoting health awareness and reducing stigma, which supports public health initiatives and patient education.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

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