THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	2969
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to the maui wildfire exposure study and Maui health registry.

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

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that the 2023 Maui wildfires were the deadliest natural disaster in state history and the deadliest wildfire in the United States in over a century. Beyond the immediate destruction, survivors of the wildfires continue to face toxic exposures, respiratory illness, and mental health trauma. Children, first responders, kūpuna, and medically vulnerable individuals remain at especially high risk.

The legislature finds that, in response, the university of Hawaiʻi and its partners established the Maui wildfire exposure study and the Maui health registry, which together represent the most comprehensive social and health biomonitoring effort ever conducted in the State. To date more than two thousand residents have received services, including medical and mental health screenings, biomonitoring, and referrals to care. Residents and families receiving health care services improves the resilience of communities and reduces the higher financial burden of long-term health complications and preventable hospitalizations. Community trust has also been built with Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, Filipino, Hispanic, and Asian, and immigrant populations, ensuring that underserved groups are reached.

The legislature further finds that additional funding is needed to continue providing these services, to ensure long-term follow-up care for all participants, and to expand services for up to three thousand individuals, with a focus on children and other high-risk populations.

SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $3,000,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the university of Hawaiʻi, in collaboration with community partners, to expand and sustain the Maui wildfire exposure study and the Maui health registry, including follow-up and expanded services for children, first responders, kūpuna, and medically vulnerable residents.

The sum appropriated shall be expended by the university of Hawaiʻi for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2026.

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

University of Hawaiʻi; Maui Wildfire Exposure Study; Maui Health Registry; Appropriation

Description:

Appropriates funds for the University of Hawaiʻi to expand and sustain services provided by the Maui Wildfire Exposure Study and Maui Health Registry.

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