STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3167

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: H.B. No. 1853

H.D. 1

S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Health and Human Services, to which was referred H.B. No. 1853, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO DEMENTIA,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to:

(1) Establish the Hanai Memory Network Program within the Executive Office on Aging to create a network of dementia care specialists and support systems to assist individuals with dementia and their caregivers; and

(2) Appropriate funds.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the State Health Planning and Development Agency; Disability and Communication Access Board; AARP Hawaiʻi; Alzheimer's Association-Hawaii; Hawaii Council of Community Associations; Hawaiʻi Primary Care Association; Hawaii Alliance for Retired Americans, AFL-CIO; Alzheimer's Caregiving & The Caregivers; Hawaii Disability Rights Center; and fifteen individuals.

Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Executive Office on Aging.

Your Committee finds that the State is facing a rapidly growing dementia crisis. Your Committee further finds that as the State's kupuna population is expected to double in the next twenty-five years, the State's long-term care infrastructure is already operating at or above capacity, with limited availability of memory-care beds statewide. Neighbor islands and rural communities are anticipated to experience even greater disparities, with limited access to diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing support, leading to delayed care and higher long-term costs. This measure's Hanai Memory Network Program responds directly to these needs by creating a coordinated network of information, caregiver coaching, respite resources, and culturally relevant supports that empower families to keep their loved ones at home safely for as long as possible.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

(1) Inserting an effective date of January 30, 2050, to encourage further discussion; and

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

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Health and Human Services that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1853, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 1853, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Health and Human Services,

________________________________

JOY A. SAN BUENAVENTURA, Chair