STAND. COM. REP. NO. 577-24

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2024

RE: H.B. No. 1831

H.D. 1

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2024

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce, to which was referred H.B. No. 1831, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO CRISIS INTERVENTION,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to:

(1) Establish and appropriate funds for a Behavioral Health Crisis Center Pilot Program; and

(2) Authorize the Department of Health to establish or contract with behavioral health crisis centers in each county.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs; Department of Health; Disability and Communication Access Board; Judiciary; State Council on Mental Health; Hawaii Substance Abuse Coalition; The Queen's Health System; Opportunity Youth Action Hawaiʻi; Hawaiʻi Health & Harm Reduction Center; and two individuals.

Your Committee finds that persons suffering from mental health issues, substance use disorders, or homelessness require a compassionate and effective approach. Early access to, and the provision of, mental health care and services is integral to diverting those persons who, but for their mental health crises, would not be involved with the criminal justice system. This measure establishes behavioral health crisis centers to stabilize and evaluate individuals experiencing a mental illness or substance use disorder crisis, which will alleviate pressure on emergency departments in the State, and more importantly, direct those suffering from acute mental illness to the appropriate venue for future care and treatment.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1831, H.D. 1, and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Finance.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce,

____________________________

MARK M. NAKASHIMA, Chair