HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	814
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025		H.D. 1
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO CANNABIS.

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

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that youth cannabis use is a significant and growing public health concern, influenced by legalization, increased product potency, changing social norms, and widespread marketing. Despite some declines, rates of youth cannabis use in Hawaii remain high, and most adolescents entering treatment report cannabis as their primary substance.

Cannabis use can harm the developing brain, leading to cognitive impairment, increased risk of psychiatric disorders, cannabis use disorder, poor academic performance, and other long‑term health consequences. Early use, especially before age fourteen, greatly increases the risk of addiction. High‑potency products also contribute to unpredictable reactions and more emergency room visits.

The legislature further finds that effective prevention requires coordinated public education, media outreach, community programs, school involvement, and family-based strategies. Evidence-based treatment, particularly behavioral therapies, supports recovery and helps adolescents build healthy coping skills. Early intervention also improves long-term outcomes.

The purpose of this Act is to protect youth from the health risks of cannabis use by appropriating funds for:

(1) A public health and informational campaign;

(2) Contracts with community-based organizations to prevent substance misuse among youth; and

(3) Contracts with community-based organizations to treat substance use disorder among youth.

SECTION 2. The department of health shall develop and implement a public health and informational multi-media campaign regarding youth cannabis use and its impact on public health and safety. The campaign may inform the public about any new laws related to cannabis and the continuing risks that cannabis use poses to children, and may include a mix of digital, social media, radio, and television advertising, along with materials for schools and community groups.

SECTION 3. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $2,000,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the department of health to implement the public health and informational multi-media campaign pursuant to section 2 of this Act.

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

SECTION 4. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $5,000,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the alcohol and drug abuse division of the department of health to contract with community-based organizations to provide youth and families with evidenced-based prevention services that prevent substance misuse among youth, especially youth cannabis use.

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

SECTION 5. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $5,000,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the alcohol and drug abuse division of the department of health to contract with community-based organizations to provide youth and families with evidenced-based treatment services, such as residential, intensive outpatient, and outpatient programs, to treat substance use disorder among youth, especially youth cannabis use.

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

SECTION 6. The department of health shall submit a report to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2028, of its findings and recommendations, including:

(1) The manner in which funds received pursuant to this Act have been expended;

(2) The particular service providers involved;

(3) The number of persons who have been served;

(4) A description of the services provided;

(5) Measurable outcomes; and

(6) Any proposed legislation.

SECTION 7. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.

Report Title:

DOH; Youth Cannabis Use; Public Health and Informational Campaign; Community-based Organizations; Appropriation

Description:

Appropriates funds for the Department of Health to develop and implement a public health and informational campaign and contract with community-based organizations to prevent substance misuse and treat substance use disorder among youth. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

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