Healthcare

in committee · Hawaii · House Mar 18, 2026

HR 29: ESTABLISHING THE HAWAII HEALTH PLAN WORKING GROUP TO DESIGN AND RECOMMEND A BASIC, AFFORDABLE HAWAII HEALTH PLAN AVAILABLE TO EVERY RESIDENT OF THE STATE.

This bill establishes a Hawaii Health Plan Working Group to design and recommend a basic, affordable health plan for all state residents. The group will include representatives from the House health committee, Governor's office, Insurance Commissioner, State Health Planning and Development Agency, Hawaii Medical Service Association, and Kaiser Permanente. The working group is tasked with developing a plan to address potential increases in uninsured residents due to changes in federal health insurance subsidies and Medicaid requirements, with a report due before the 2027 legislative session. The group will cease to exist on June 30, 2027, after submitting its recommendations and any proposed legislation to the Legislature.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill creates working group to design affordable health plan for all residents, expanding coverage and access90% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance Medicaid

Track

passed · Hawaii · House Apr 10, 2026

HCR 84: REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO CREATE A PLAN THAT REMOVES CARCINOGENS FROM SCHOOL MEALS.

This bill requests the Hawaii Department of Education to develop a plan for removing processed meats from school meals by 2032 or replacing them with healthier, minimally processed alternatives. The resolution directs the department to inventory current menus containing processed meats, establish a timeline for the transition, set nutritional standards for replacement options, and estimate associated costs and funding needs. It aims to improve student health by reducing exposure to carcinogens linked to processed meats like hot dogs, bacon, and deli meats, which are currently served in some school programs. The Department of Education must submit a report with findings and recommendations to the Legislature by the start of the 2027 session.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill improves student health through healthier school meals, enhancing educational environment and student well-being85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill aims to improve student health by reducing exposure to carcinogens in school meals, aligning with public health and preventive healthcare goals.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Student Health

Track

in committee · Hawaii · House Mar 18, 2026

HCR 95: 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 bill urges the Governor to reactivate the Hawaii Health Authority to develop a plan for transitioning Hawaii to a single-payer health care system. The resolution supports this initiative by highlighting potential cost savings from reduced administrative expenses and streamlined billing processes, which could lower overall state health care spending. It calls for the Health Authority to submit progress reports and recommendations to the Legislature by early 2027. The plan aims to implement the system as soon as possible after obtaining federal waivers to maintain Medicare, Medicaid, and TRICARE funding.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill advocates for single-payer healthcare system to expand coverage and reduce costs95% confidence

Sub-Topics Medicaid Medicare

Track

in committee · Hawaii · Senate Mar 30, 2026

SR 34: 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 Resolution requests the Auditor to evaluate the social and financial impacts of a proposed bill that would expand health insurance coverage for autism diagnosis and treatment. The measure would remove the current age limit of fourteen years and eliminate the $25,000 annual cap on applied behavioral analysis services, directly affecting individuals with autism and their families. The Auditor is asked to submit a report with findings and recommendations to the Legislature within twenty days before the 2027 session begins. This procedural step ensures an assessment is completed before any changes to insurance mandates are finalized.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill seeks to expand autism health insurance coverage by removing age limits and increasing service caps, directly advancing healthcare access and benefits.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance Mental Health

Track

in committee · Hawaii · House Mar 18, 2026

HCR 39: URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO COORDINATE THE STOCKPILING OF A THREE-YEAR SUPPLY OF MIFEPRISTONE.

This bill urges the Hawaii Department of Health to coordinate the stockpiling of a three-year supply of mifepristone, a medication commonly used in medical abortions. The resolution is directed at state health officials and aims to ensure a stable supply of the drug, which has a five-year shelf life and is used in approximately 63% of U.S. abortions. The measure responds to potential disruptions in the medication's supply chain and seeks to maintain access to reproductive healthcare services within the state. It does not create new laws or funding but serves as a formal request to the Department of Health to plan for adequate inventory levels.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill ensures stable supply of abortion medication, protecting patient access to reproductive healthcare services and preventing supply chain disruptions.95% confidence

Track

passed · Hawaii · House Apr 10, 2026

HCR 102: URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, IN COLLABORATION WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND OFFICE OF WELLNESS AND RESILIENCE, TO ESTABLISH A STATEWIDE PEER COUNSELOR PROGRAM TO ADDRESS YOUTH LONELINESS AND SOCIAL DISCONNECTION IN HAWAII'S SCHOOLS.

This House Concurrent Resolution urges Hawaii state agencies to create a statewide peer counselor program for high school students to address youth loneliness and social disconnection. The program would involve trained student peer counselors who receive standardized instruction in active listening, ethical boundaries, and culturally responsive practices to foster peer connections and early identification of emotional distress. The Department of Education would lead implementation in collaboration with the Department of Health, Office of Wellness and Resilience, and Hawaii State Youth Commission, starting with pilot programs in select schools before statewide rollout. The resolution emphasizes face-to-face interaction, trust-building activities, and clear referral pathways to licensed mental health professionals while prioritizing culturally appropriate approaches for Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander students.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill establishes statewide peer counselor program to address youth loneliness and social disconnection in schools, enhancing student wellness and educational support services.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill establishes peer counselor program to address youth mental health and social disconnection, expanding mental health services in schools.85% confidence

Sub-Topics K-12 Education Student Health Mental Health

Track

passed · Hawaii · House Apr 9, 2026

HR 131: REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES, AND DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO DEVELOP A COORDINATED PLAN TO REDUCE THE IMPACT OF FETAL ALCOHOL SPECTRUM DISORDERS.

This bill requests that Hawaii's Departments of Health, Human Services, and Education create a coordinated plan to address fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD), which affect individuals exposed to alcohol during pregnancy. The plan would explore establishing a statewide FASD coordinator, strategies for accessing federal funding, and methods to improve awareness and treatment services across the state. Departments are asked to include recommendations for training healthcare and education professionals, reducing reliance on foster care and the criminal justice system, and lowering economic barriers to early intervention. The departments must submit their findings and any proposed legislation to the Legislature by December 15, 2026.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill requests coordinated plan to address FASD, improve awareness and treatment services, and establish statewide coordinator, strengthening healthcare access and support for affected individuals.85% confidence

Track

passed · Hawaii · House Apr 2, 2026

HCR 176: REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO ADOPT POLICIES AND PROCEDURES REGARDING THE STORAGE AND ADMINISTRATION OF ORAL ANTIHISTAMINES IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

This bill requests the Hawaii Department of Education to create clear policies for storing and administering oral antihistamines in public schools. It directly affects students with allergies, school staff, and parents by establishing a framework for managing mild allergic reactions during the school day. The key provisions require schools to have written parental consent, individualized physician-approved allergy plans, and trained personnel who can recognize allergy symptoms and properly administer the medication. The resolution also asks the Department to develop standardized forms for consent and protocols, and to report back to the Legislature within 20 days of the 2027 session with findings and any proposed legislation.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill establishes safety protocols for students with allergies, enhancing student health and educational access by ensuring proper medication management in schools.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill establishes policies for administering allergy medication in schools, improving student health safety and access to necessary medical care.85% confidence

Sub-Topics School Safety Student Health

Track

passed both · Hawaii · House Apr 27, 2026

HCR 137: URGING AN IMMEDIATE AND PERMANENT CEASEFIRE AND AN END TO HOSTILITIES IN IRAN.

This bill requests that health maintenance organizations in Hawaii follow the state's Clean Claims Statute to pay medical claims within 30 days, or 15 days for electronic submissions. It aims to address delays in reimbursement that can harm healthcare providers and patients, particularly in rural and underserved communities. The resolution calls for greater oversight and accountability by state agencies to ensure timely payments and prevent financial distress among medical practices. It does not create new laws but formally asks HMOs to comply with existing requirements and directs copies to relevant state officials.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill ensures timely reimbursement for healthcare claims, protecting providers and patients from financial distress and improving healthcare access.90% confidence

Track

passed · Hawaii · Senate Mar 31, 2026

SR 141: REQUESTING THE GOVERNOR TO OBTAIN A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE EXEMPTION FROM THE DRUG ENFORCEMENT ADMINISTRATION FOR REGISTERED MEDICAL CANNABIS PATIENTS AND REGISTRATION WAIVERS FOR STATE-LICENSED DISPENSARIES.

This Senate Resolution asks the Governor to request a federal exemption from the Drug Enforcement Administration for registered medical cannabis patients and registration waivers for state-licensed dispensaries. The bill addresses the conflict between Hawaii's state medical cannabis program and federal law that classifies cannabis as a Schedule I controlled substance. By seeking these exemptions, the resolution aims to protect patients from federal prosecution and allow dispensaries to operate legally without violating federal regulations. The measure also requests that the Department of Health provide updates on the status of these federal applications to the Legislature.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill seeks federal exemption to protect medical cannabis patients from prosecution and enable licensed dispensaries to operate, directly improving patient access to healthcare services.95% confidence

Track