Healthcare

passed · Hawaii · House Mar 23, 2026

HR 205: COMMENDING AND HONORING ALAN JOHNSON FOR HIS CONTRIBUTIONS TO ADDRESSING SUBSTANCE AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH ISSUES THROUGH HINA MAUKA.

This bill is a House Resolution that formally recognizes and honors Alan Johnson for his nearly 30 years of leadership at Hina Mauka, a substance and behavioral health organization in Hawaii. The resolution acknowledges his role in expanding services to over 70,000 individuals, introducing evidence-based therapies, and developing programs for women, adolescents, and Native Hawaiian communities. It celebrates his retirement and expresses gratitude for his contributions to the organization and the broader community. The measure does not create new laws or policies but serves as a ceremonial tribute to his service.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill honors contributions to substance and behavioral health services, recognizing expanded access and evidence-based therapies for 70,000+ individuals.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health

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in committee · Hawaii · House Mar 18, 2026

HR 37: URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO COORDINATE THE STOCKPILING OF A THREE-YEAR SUPPLY OF MIFEPRISTONE.

This resolution urges the Hawaii Department of Health to coordinate stockpiling a three-year supply of mifepristone, a medication commonly used in medical abortions. The bill responds to concerns about potential disruptions in the medication's supply chain and aims to ensure continued access to reproductive healthcare services within the state. It directs the Department of Health to determine the appropriate quantities needed for this stockpile and transmit the resolution to the state health director. The measure reflects Hawaii's existing legal framework protecting reproductive rights and addresses access challenges faced by residents, particularly on islands where in-person abortion care is limited.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill ensures continued access to reproductive healthcare by mandating stockpiling of mifepristone, protecting patient access to medical services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Women's Health

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passed · Hawaii · House Apr 2, 2026

HCR 92: ENCOURAGING THE STATE TO EXAMINE REQUIRING AUTOMATED EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATORS IN ALL STATE-OWNED BUILDINGS AND PURSUE EXISTING AUTOMATED EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATOR PROGRAMS.

This bill encourages the State of Hawaii to consider requiring automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in all state-owned buildings and to pursue existing AED programs. AEDs are portable devices that can treat cardiac arrest by analyzing heart rhythm and delivering electrical shocks to restore normal function. The resolution highlights that survival chances decrease significantly with each minute a victim remains in cardiac arrest, making access to these devices and training important for public health. It directs the Director of Health and Comptroller to review the state's current AED policies and consider implementing requirements for state facilities.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill promotes AED placement in state buildings to improve emergency cardiac care access and survival rates, directly supporting public health safety.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

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in committee · Hawaii · Senate Mar 19, 2026

SR 162: URGING THE CONVENING OF A MENTAL HEALTH EMERGING THERAPIES TASK FORCE TO PREPARE THE STATE FOR THE INTEGRATION OF BREAKTHROUGH THERAPIES AND TO EXPLORE OPPORTUNITIES TO EXPAND CLINICAL TRIALS, RESEARCH PARTNERSHIPS, AND TREATMENT CAPACITY IN THE STATE.

This Senate Resolution urges the Thompson School of Social Work and Public Health to create a Mental Health Emerging Therapies Task Force to prepare Hawaii for potential new mental health treatments like MDMA-assisted therapy and psilocybin-assisted therapy. The proposed task force would include representatives from the Department of Health, University of Hawaii, mental health professionals, legal experts, Native Hawaiian health organizations, and individuals with lived experience. The group is tasked with developing a statewide plan for clinical trials, workforce training, patient safety, and equitable access to these therapies once federal approval is granted. The task force must submit its findings and recommendations to the Legislature by the end of 2027. This resolution is a non-binding recommendation that does not change current laws but aims to guide future policy development.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill establishes a task force to prepare for integration of breakthrough mental health therapies and expand treatment capacity, directly advancing mental health services.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health Public Health

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passed · Hawaii · House Apr 1, 2026

HCR 201: RECOGNIZING THE PUBLIC HEALTH IMPACTS OF AIR POLLUTION FROM INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE VEHICLES AND THE RISKS THAT TRAFFIC-RELATED AIR POLLUTION POSES TO COMMUNITIES ACROSS THE STATE AND AFFIRMING THE COMMITMENT TO TRANSITION TO CLEANER TRANSPORTATION CHOICES.

This bill is a concurrent resolution that formally acknowledges the health risks posed by air pollution from internal combustion engine vehicles to communities across Hawaii. It highlights how traffic-related pollution disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, including children, older adults, and lower-income communities living near major roadways. The resolution affirms the state's commitment to transitioning toward cleaner transportation options to improve public health and air quality. It does not create new laws or funding but serves to recognize these issues and direct copies to relevant state officials.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill affirms commitment to transitioning to cleaner transportation, reducing reliance on fossil fuel-powered internal combustion engines, aligning with renewable energy and clean energy goals.75% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill acknowledges air pollution risks and affirms commitment to transitioning to cleaner transportation, aligning with environmental protection goals.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill acknowledges health risks from air pollution and affirms commitment to cleaner transportation to improve public health outcomes.85% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill affirms commitment to transitioning to cleaner transportation choices and reducing air pollution from vehicles, supporting sustainable transportation improvements.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Air Quality Public Health Electric Vehicles

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in committee · Hawaii · Senate Mar 30, 2026

SCR 35: REQUESTING THE AUDITOR TO ASSESS BOTH SOCIAL AND FINANCIAL EFFECTS OF PROPOSED MANDATED HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR THE DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF AUTISM AND FOR APPLIED BEHAVIORAL ANALYSIS SERVICES.

This Senate Concurrent Resolution directs Hawaii's Auditor to evaluate the social and financial impacts of a proposed law that would expand health insurance coverage for autism diagnosis, treatment, and applied behavioral analysis services. The bill specifically addresses a current system that restricts coverage to individuals under 14 years old and caps annual benefits at $25,000, which the resolution seeks to remove. By requesting this assessment, the legislature aims to gather data on how eliminating these age and cost limitations would affect healthcare access and public finances before finalizing any changes. The Auditor must submit findings and recommendations to the Legislature within 20 days before the 2027 session begins. This procedural step ensures informed decision-making regarding the expansion of mandated health insurance benefits for autism-related services.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill seeks to expand autism health insurance coverage by requesting assessment of proposed changes that would remove age limits and benefit caps, indicating support for broader healthcare access.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance

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in committee · Hawaii · Senate Mar 19, 2026

SCR 106: RECOGNIZING THE PUBLIC HEALTH IMPACTS OF AIR POLLUTION FROM INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE VEHICLES AND THE RISKS THAT TRAFFIC-RELATED AIR POLLUTION POSES TO COMMUNITIES ACROSS THE STATE AND AFFIRMING THE COMMITMENT TO TRANSITION TO CLEANER TRANSPORTATION CHOICES.

This Senate Concurrent Resolution formally acknowledges the public health risks associated with air pollution from internal combustion engine vehicles in Hawaii. It highlights that traffic-related pollution disproportionately affects communities near major roadways, particularly impacting children, older adults, and lower-income populations. The resolution affirms the state's commitment to transitioning toward cleaner transportation options to improve air quality and protect public health. As a symbolic measure, it does not create new laws or funding but serves to recognize these issues and direct copies to relevant state officials.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill affirms commitment to transitioning to cleaner transportation, reducing reliance on internal combustion engines and fossil fuels.85% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill explicitly acknowledges air pollution risks and affirms commitment to transitioning to cleaner transportation, directly supporting environmental protection and pollution reduction.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill acknowledges public health risks from air pollution and affirms commitment to cleaner transportation to protect public health.85% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill affirms commitment to transitioning to cleaner transportation choices and improving air quality, supporting sustainable transportation initiatives.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Air Quality Public Health

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passed · Hawaii · House Apr 10, 2026

HCR 22: URGING THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS TO PASS H.R. 2687, ALSO KNOWN AS THE END KIDNEY DEATHS ACT.

This bill is a Hawaii House Concurrent Resolution that urges the U.S. Congress to pass H.R. 2687, known as the End Kidney Deaths Act. The resolution highlights that kidney disease disproportionately affects people of color and that many Hawaii residents currently rely on dialysis with hundreds dying annually due to limited access to transplants. The proposed federal legislation would create regulated, refundable tax credits for individuals who donate a kidney to a stranger, aiming to increase the number of living donors and reduce kidney-related deaths. The bill emphasizes that living donation is already highly regulated with safeguards for donor safety and notes that transplants can save lives while reducing long-term healthcare costs.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill proposes federal tax credits for kidney donors, creating tax relief that supports fiscal policy by incentivizing organ donation through tax mechanisms.75% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill advocates for federal legislation to increase kidney donations through tax credits, improving access to transplants and addressing kidney disease disparities.95% confidence

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passed · Hawaii · House Apr 9, 2026

HR 108: REQUESTING THE CITY AND COUNTY OF HONOLULU AND STATEWIDE OFFICE ON HOMELESSNESS AND HOUSING SOLUTIONS TO DEVELOP A COORDINATED, PLACE-BASED STRATEGIC ACTION PLAN TO ADDRESS BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AND HOMELESSNESS RESPONSE NEEDS ON THE WAIANAE COAST.

This bill asks the City and County of Honolulu and the Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions to create a strategic plan for addressing homelessness and behavioral health needs on the Waianae Coast. The plan must include an analysis of emergency response times, hospital usage for psychiatric crises, available crisis beds, service gaps, and coordination between outreach teams and first responders. It also requires evaluating the feasibility of a regional crisis stabilization center and identifying any legal or budget changes needed to improve outcomes. Community-based service providers must be involved in developing the plan, which will be reported to the Legislature by March 2027.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates development of strategic action plan for behavioral health and homelessness, improving access to mental health services and crisis stabilization on Waianae Coast.85% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill addresses homelessness and behavioral health needs through coordinated planning, which supports housing stability and access to services for vulnerable populations.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Hospitals Mental Health Homelessness

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in committee · Hawaii · Senate Mar 19, 2026

SR 167: SUPPORTING THE REACTIVATION OF, AND URGING THE GOVERNOR TO APPOINT MEMBERS TO, THE HAWAII HEALTH AUTHORITY TO PLAN FOR A TRANSITION TO A MAXIMALLY COST-EFFECTIVE SINGLE-PAYER HEALTH CARE SYSTEM FOR THE STATE, TO BE IMPLEMENTED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AFTER WAIVERS HAVE BEEN OBTAINED TO CAPTURE ALL MAJOR SOURCES OF FEDERAL FUNDING FLOWING TO THE STATE THROUGH MEDICARE, MEDICAID, AND TRICARE.

This Senate resolution urges the Governor to reactivate the Hawaii Health Authority and appoint members to develop a plan for transitioning Hawaii to a single-payer healthcare system. The bill directly affects the state's healthcare infrastructure by directing the Health Authority to create a transition strategy that would consolidate federal funding from Medicare, Medicaid, and TRICARE under a unified system. Key provisions include requesting a progress report with recommendations to the Legislature by early 2027 and transmitting the resolution to state officials. The document frames the proposal as a response to projected federal Medicaid cuts and cites potential administrative cost savings as a rationale for the system change.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill advocates for transitioning to single-payer healthcare, expanding coverage and consolidating federal funding under unified system95% confidence

Sub-Topics Medicaid Medicare

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