CONFERENCE COMMITTEE REP. NO. 237-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2026

RE: S.B. No. 2259

S.D. 1

H.D. 1

C.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Sir and Madam:

Your Committee on Conference on the disagreeing vote of the Senate to the amendments proposed by the House of Representatives in S.B. No. 2259, S.D. 1, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, AND TOURISM,"

having met, and after full and free discussion, has agreed to recommend and does recommend to the respective Houses the final passage of this bill in an amended form.

The purpose of this measure is to:

(1) Establish the Hawaii Dementia Initiative Business Recognition Program within the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism; and

(2) Appropriate funds.

Your Committee on Conference finds that a dementia-capable business environment improves customer service, strengthens public trust, reduces stress in frontline interactions, and helps the State remain a welcoming place for residents and visitors living with dementia, their families, and caregivers. This measure encourages and supports businesses to better serve customers and create more welcoming, inclusive environments.

Your Committee on Conference has amended this measure by:

(1) Insert an appropriation amount of $90,000 for the establishment and administration of the Hawaii Dementia Initiative Business Recognition Program;

(2) Insert an effective date of July 1, 2026; and

(3) Making a technical, nonsubstantive amendment for the purposes of clarity and consistency.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the managers of your Committee on Conference that is attached to this report, your Committee on Conference is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2259, S.D. 1, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Final Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 2259, S.D. 1, H.D. 1, C.D. 1.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the managers:

ON THE PART OF THE HOUSE

ON THE PART OF THE SENATE

____________________________ GREGGOR ILAGAN Co-Chair	____________________________ LYNN DECOITE Chair
____________________________ IKAIKA HUSSEY Co-Chair	____________________________ GLENN WAKAI Co-Chair