Healthcare

passed · Hawaii · House Apr 2, 2026

HR 84: ENCOURAGING THE STATE TO EXAMINE REQUIRING AUTOMATED EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATORS IN ALL STATE-OWNED BUILDINGS AND PURSUE EXISTING AUTOMATED EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATOR PROGRAMS.

This House Resolution encourages the State of Hawaii to consider requiring automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in all state-owned buildings and to pursue existing AED programs. The bill directly affects state agencies responsible for managing public buildings and health initiatives by prompting them to review current policies on life-saving medical equipment. It highlights the importance of AEDs for treating cardiac arrest and notes that training programs are essential for effective use, though it does not mandate specific actions. The resolution is non-binding and serves as a formal recommendation rather than a law, directing copies to the Director of Health and Comptroller for their consideration.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill encourages state adoption of AEDs in public buildings, improving emergency cardiac care access and aligning with public health safety initiatives.90% confidence

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in committee · Hawaii · Senate Mar 30, 2026

SCR 51: REQUESTING THE AUDITOR TO ASSESS THE SOCIAL AND FINANCIAL EFFECTS OF REQUIRING HEALTH INSURERS TO PROVIDE COVERAGE FOR MEDICALLY NECESSARY PROTON BEAM THERAPY FOR CANCER TREATMENT.

This Senate Concurrent Resolution requests the state Auditor to evaluate the social and financial impacts of mandating health insurance coverage for medically necessary proton beam therapy for cancer treatment. The assessment is required because House Bill 2145 proposes requiring health insurers to cover this advanced radiation therapy, which offers more precise treatment than traditional radiation methods. The Auditor will analyze how this mandate would affect healthcare costs, access to care, and patient outcomes before the proposed legislation takes effect in 2027. This procedural step ensures that policymakers have data on the potential consequences of requiring insurance coverage for this specific cancer treatment.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill seeks to assess and potentially mandate coverage for advanced cancer treatment, expanding patient access to specialized healthcare services.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance

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passed · Hawaii · House Apr 2, 2026

HR 73: REQUESTING THE PLANNING OR PLANNING AND PERMITTING DEPARTMENT OF EACH COUNTY TO ESTABLISH KUPUNA-FRIENDLY BUILDING PERMIT REQUIREMENTS FOR PARKING ACCESSIBILITY AND PRIVATE BUSINESSES OPERATING HOURS.

This bill is a House Resolution that asks county planning departments in Hawaii to create building permit requirements focused on accessibility for older adults, known as kupuna. It would require private businesses and shopping centers to offer special hours for kupuna to enter their premises and increase the number of parking spaces designated for both disabled and non-disabled older adults. The resolution does not mandate these changes directly but formally requests counties to consider them when updating their planning regulations. The measure aims to improve community access for an aging population by addressing parking availability and business operating hours.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill improves accessibility for older adults in healthcare settings by requiring parking accommodations and special business hours, enhancing patient access to services.75% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill promotes accessibility and parking for older adults, enhancing housing quality and inclusivity for kupuna75% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill requests establishment of kupuna-friendly parking accessibility and business hours, enhancing transportation accessibility for older adults75% confidence

Sub-Topics Building Codes Tags People with Disabilities Seniors

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passed · Hawaii · Senate May 12, 2026

SR 69: URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO LEAD A COORDINATED INTERDEPARTMENTAL EFFORT TO REDUCE THE IMPACT OF FETAL ALCOHOL SPECTRUM DISORDERS IN THE STATE, INCLUDING DEVELOPMENT OF A PLAN FOR INTERAGENCY COLLABORATION TO ENSURE THE COORDINATION OF SUPPORT SERVICES.

This Senate Resolution asks the Hawaii Department of Health to take the lead role in coordinating state services and support for people with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders. The bill requests the department to create a plan that brings together multiple state agencies, including health, human services, education, and the judiciary, to provide better care and support. It also asks for efforts to increase public awareness and reduce stigma, while training healthcare and education professionals to better identify and manage these conditions. The resolution requires the Department of Health to share its coordination plan with the Legislature by early 2027, including any recommendations for new laws or funding needed to implement the changes.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill requests DOH to coordinate services and support for FASD individuals, expanding healthcare access and improving care coordination across state agencies.90% confidence

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signed · Hawaii · Senate May 12, 2026

SCR 149: REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO ASSESS THE SERVICES AND FUNDING NECESSARY TO ADDRESS THE NEEDS OF COMPLEX PATIENTS WHO HAVE TWO OR MORE DIAGNOSES THAT INCLUDE SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS, MENTAL HEALTH DISORDERS, OR CHRONIC PHYSICAL ILLNESSES.

This Senate Concurrent Resolution requests the Hawaii Department of Health to create an informal working group to evaluate services and funding for patients with multiple diagnoses, including substance use disorders, mental health conditions, and chronic physical illnesses. The working group will examine how to better integrate care for these high-need individuals, potentially by establishing residential treatment facilities that combine medical, behavioral, and social support services. The group will consider specific service models, staffing needs, and funding options, with the goal of reducing fragmented care and improving health outcomes. The Department of Health is asked to submit a report with findings and recommendations to the Legislature by the end of 2026.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill establishes working group to assess and improve services and funding for complex patients with multiple diagnoses, including mental health and substance use disorders, indicating support for healthcare access and integration.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health

passed · Hawaii · Senate May 12, 2026

SR 44: SUPPORTING THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH'S EFFORTS TO COORDINATE THE STOCKPILING OF A THREE-YEAR SUPPLY OF MIFEPRISTONE.

This Senate Resolution urges Hawaii's Department of Health to coordinate storing a three-year supply of mifepristone, a medication used in medical abortions. The bill directly affects the state's public health infrastructure and aims to ensure continued access to abortion care by maintaining a medication supply that could be affected by FDA policy changes or supply chain disruptions. It builds on the state's existing reproductive health protections and acknowledges that mifepristone has a five-year shelf life, making long-term stockpiling feasible. The resolution is non-binding and directs the Department of Health to determine the appropriate quantities needed for this three-year supply.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates stockpiling mifepristone to ensure continued access to abortion care, protecting patient access and reproductive health services.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health Women's Health

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in committee · Hawaii · House Mar 18, 2026

HCR 163: REQUESTING THE DIRECTOR OF HEALTH TO CONVENE A WORKING GROUP TO EXAMINE THE FEASIBILITY OF ARTS-BASED SOCIAL PRESCRIBING WITHIN PUBLIC INSURANCE, PRIVATE INSURANCE, AND PREPAID HEALTH CARE PLANS IN HAWAII.

This bill requests the Hawaii Director of Health to form a working group to study whether arts-based social prescribing - where doctors recommend participation in creative activities like music, dance, or theater as part of mental health treatment - can be integrated into public, private, and prepaid health insurance plans. The working group will include representatives from health insurers, arts organizations, healthcare providers, and relevant state agencies to examine legal, regulatory, and financial feasibility across Hawaii's multi-payer system. The group will analyze potential impacts on patient outcomes and costs, explore pilot program opportunities, and submit a report with recommendations to the Legislature by early 2027.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill proposes studying arts-based social prescribing integration into health insurance plans, potentially expanding mental health treatment options and healthcare access.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance Mental Health

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in committee · Hawaii · House Mar 18, 2026

HCR 170: URGING THE GOVERNOR TO REHARMONIZE THE FEDERAL AND STATE REGULATION OF CANNABIS IN HAWAII BY OBTAINING A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE EXCEPTION FOR REGISTERED MEDICAL CANNABIS PATIENTS AND REGISTRATION WAIVERS FOR STATE-LICENSED MEDICAL CANNABIS DISPENSARIES FROM THE DRUG ENFORCEMENT ADMINISTRATION.

This bill urges the Governor of Hawaii to work with federal authorities to resolve conflicts between state medical cannabis laws and federal regulations. It specifically requests the Drug Enforcement Administration to grant an exception for registered medical cannabis patients and a registration waiver for state-licensed dispensaries. The resolution aims to protect patients and businesses from federal penalties, such as loss of employment or eligibility for federal benefits, while maintaining Hawaii's authority over intrastate medical cannabis use. The bill also requires the Governor to report progress to the Legislature quarterly and sends copies to state officials and congressional representatives.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill protects medical cannabis patients from federal penalties, improving access to medical treatment and safeguarding patient rights and healthcare access.85% confidence

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passed · Hawaii · House Apr 9, 2026

HR 163: URGING MAUI HEALTH TO COLLABORATE WITH STAKEHOLDERS TO ESTABLISH A FULL-TIME MEDICAL RESIDENCY PROGRAM ON THE ISLAND OF MAUI.

This House Resolution urges Maui Health to partner with state agencies and medical stakeholders to create a full-time medical residency program on Maui, addressing a critical shortage of physicians that worsened after the 2023 wildfires. The bill specifically recommends using federal Rural Health Transformation Program funding to cover initial costs while seeking additional resources from grants and private partnerships. It requests collaboration with the John A. Burns School of Medicine and local health centers, and asks Maui Health to submit a progress report to the Legislature by early 2027. This non-binding resolution aims to improve access to primary care and specialist services for Maui's underserved population without mandating specific actions.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill advocates for establishing a medical residency program on Maui to address physician shortages and improve healthcare access, utilizing federal funding and partnerships.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Primary Care

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passed both · Hawaii · Senate Apr 20, 2026

SCR 140: URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AND UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII AT MANOA TO ADOPT ENERGY SAVINGS PERFORMANCE CONTRACTING AS A PRIMARY STRATEGY TO ADDRESS DEFERRED MAINTENANCE AND INFRASTRUCTURE MODERNIZATION AND IMPROVE ENERGY EFFICIENCY STATEWIDE.

This Senate Concurrent Resolution in Hawaii asks the Department of Education to study how mental health-related absences affect student attendance and well-being. The study will examine how often students miss school due to mental or behavioral health concerns, review policies in other states that allow such absences, and evaluate whether recognizing these absences as excused could improve student outcomes. The Department of Education is requested to submit a report with findings and recommendations to the Legislature by the end of 2026, which may include suggestions for policy or legislative changes. This measure does not change current laws but seeks to gather data to inform future decisions about student attendance policies.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill seeks to study mental health-related absences to improve student well-being and attendance, potentially expanding support for student health needs in education.75% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill requests study on mental health-related absences to potentially improve student outcomes and recognize mental health needs, indicating support for mental health services.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education School Safety Student Health Mental Health

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