THE SENATE

S.B. NO.

2538

THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2024

S.D. 1

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH.

 

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

 

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that the island of Molokai has struggled to receive the same resources as the rest of the islands across the State.  Currently, Molokai is serviced by only one airline, which regularly experiences cancellations and delays, resulting in many Molokai residents missing medical appointments on neighbor islands and further contributing to greater health disparities, particularly regarding mental health.

     The legislature further finds that services provided by the department of health are underfunded and the department is understaffed.  Recent events have further evidenced a disconnect between the department of health's state office and the local office on Molokai.  In addition, the biggest concern to Molokai residents is inadequate mental health and suicide prevention services.  The legislature finds that it is critical for the department of health to ensure services to the Molokai community by maintaining adequate staffing levels and fully funding programs and services under its jurisdiction.

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to require the department of health to fully fund services, programs, and staff positions under its jurisdiction on the island of Molokai.

     SECTION 2.  (a)  The department of health shall fully fund and fill vacant positions on the island of Molokai.

     (b)  The department of health shall fully fund programs and services under its jurisdiction for community health services including but not limited to:

     (1)  Public health services;

     (2)  Mental health services;

     (3)  Health inspectors; and

     (4)  Other services relevant to community health needs.

     (c)  The department of health shall maintain an updated list of services provided with current contact information for Molokai residents to easily access.

     SECTION 3.  The department of health shall submit a report of its efforts to fully fund services, programs, and staff positions on the island of Molokai, including any proposed legislation, to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2025.

     SECTION 4.  In accordance with section 9 of article VII of the Hawaii State Constitution and sections 37-91 and 37-93, Hawaii Revised Statutes, the legislature has determined that the appropriations contained in Act 164, Regular Session of 2023, and this Act will cause the state general fund expenditure ceiling for fiscal year 2024-2025 to be exceeded by $           or       per cent.  This current declaration takes into account general fund appropriations authorized for fiscal year 2024-2025 in Act 164, Regular Session of 2023, and this Act only.  The reasons for exceeding the general fund expenditure ceiling are that:

     (1)  The appropriation made in this Act is necessary to serve the public interest; and

     (2)  The appropriation made in this Act meets the needs addressed by this Act.

     SECTION 5.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2024-2025 for the establishment and implementation of a suicide prevention program grounded in Native Hawaiian cultural healing.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of health for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 6.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

 

 

 

Report Title:

DOH; Molokai; Community Health Services; Mental Health Services; Health Infrastructure; Health Care; Program Funding; Report; Expenditure Ceiling; Appropriation

 

Description:

Requires the Department of Health to fully fund programs and services under its jurisdiction and fill vacant positions on the island of Molokai.  Requires a report to the Legislature.  Declares that the general fund expenditure ceiling is exceeded.  Makes an appropriation.  (SD1)

 

 

 

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