STAND. COM. REP. NO. 507-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2026

RE: H.B. No. 1589

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 H.B. No. 1589 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 and two individuals. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from one individual. 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 Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia impact businesses and economic growth in the State. Your Committee further finds that creating a dementia-friendly business environment would enhance the quality of life for individuals living with dementia and their caregivers. This measure promotes awareness of Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia within Hawaii's business community and allows businesses to complete training and receive certification under a Hawaii Dementia Initiative Business Recognition Program.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

(1) Clarifying that the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism shall collaborate with the Executive Office on Aging to implement the Hawaii Dementia Initiative Business Recognition Program;

(2) Clarifying that businesses may become recognized as dementia-friendly or dementia business champions;

(3) Clarifying that the Executive Office on Aging may submit a speakers bureau listing of approved organizations that provide dementia training;

(4) Requiring eighty-five percent of employees to complete training in order for a business to be eligible for recognition;

(5) Requiring the Executive Office on Aging to gather feedback on the program;

(6) Requiring the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism, in collaboration with the Executive Office on Aging, to draft certain written guidance and protocols;

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

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

The Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism has estimated that the cost to develop this program would be $90,000, which your Committee notes would be offset from training support from the Executive Office on Aging.

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 H.B. No. 1589, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 1589, 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