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,
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____________________________ MARK M. NAKASHIMA, Chair |
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