THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	3160
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

MAKING AN EMERGENCY APPROPRIATION TO THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII.

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

SECTION 1. This Act is recommended by the governor for immediate passage in accordance with section 9 of article VII of the Constitution of the State of Hawaii.

SECTION 2. The legislature finds that the August 2023 Maui wildfires were the deadliest natural disaster in Hawaii's history and one of the worst wildfires in the United States in over a century. Beyond the immediate destruction, survivors continue to face toxic exposures, respiratory illness, and mental health trauma. Children, first responders, kupuna, and medically vulnerable individuals remain at especially high risk.

In response, the university of Hawaii 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 state history. To date, more than two thousand residents have received services including medical and mental health screenings, biomonitoring, and referrals to care. Community trust has been built with members of Maui's diverse community, including immigrant community members.

The legislature further finds that additional funding is needed to expand and sustain these services, with a focus on children and other high-risk populations, and to ensure long-term follow-up through the Maui health registry for up to five thousand individuals.

The purpose of this Act is to make an emergency appropriation to the university of Hawaii to expand and sustain the Maui wildfire exposure study and Maui health registry.

SECTION 3. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $1,500,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2025–2026 for the university of Hawaii to expand and sustain the Maui wildfire exposure study and Maui health registry, to include follow-up and expanded services for children, first responders, kupuna, and medically vulnerable residents.

SECTION 4. The sum appropriated shall be expended by the university of Hawaii for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________
	BY REQUEST

Report Title:

UH; Maui Wildfire Exposure Study; Maui Health Registry; Emergency Appropriation

Description:

Makes an emergency appropriation for fiscal year 2025–2026 to the University of Hawaii to expand and sustain the Maui Wildfire Exposure Study and Maui Health Registry.

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.