STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1328-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2026

RE: S.B. No. 2259

S.D. 1

H.D. 1

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Madame:

Your Committee on Economic Development & Technology, to which was referred S.B. No. 2259, S.D. 1, entitled:

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

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to establish and appropriate funds for the Hawaii Dementia Initiative Business Recognition Program within the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Alzheimer's Association, Hawaiʻi Chapter; Retail Merchants of Hawaiʻi; Rainbow Family 808; and three individuals. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism and Executive Office on Aging.

Your Committee finds that the impacts of Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia are not isolated to residents suffering with these diseases, but also affect businesses, economic growth, and visitors to Hawaii. Your Committee further finds that creating a dementia-friendly business environment would enhance the quality of life of those living with dementia and their caregivers. This measure promotes dementia awareness in the business community by establishing the Hawaii Dementia Initiative Business Recognition Program, providing training opportunities and certification to participating businesses.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

(1) Changing the effective date to July 1, 3000, to encourage further discussion; and

(2) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Economic Development & Technology that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2259, S.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 2259, S.D. 1, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Finance.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Economic Development & Technology,

____________________________

GREGGOR ILAGAN, Chair