STAND. COM. REP. NO. 551-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2026

RE: H.B. No. 1913

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 Health, to which was referred H.B. No. 1913, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO VETERAN MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to establish an on-site Mental Health Coordinator position at the Office of Veterans Services at Tripler Army Medical Center.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Office of Veterans Services; Oahu Region of the Hawaii Health Systems Corporation; Veterans Caucus of the Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi; CARES; and six individuals.

Your Committee finds that veterans are often diagnosed with military service-related mental health conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety. Your Committee further finds that many of Hawaii's veterans are unable to access the care they need due to the complex and fragmented nature of the Veterans Affair system and internal psychological factors such as a perceived stigma associated with behavioral health care. Your Committee believes that establishing an on-site Mental Health Coordinator who can serve as a key navigator will ensure veterans attempting to access behavioral health services across the State will be connected with behavioral health care services within the Veterans Affairs Pacific Islands Health Care System as well as other community providers, government resources, and community organizations.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Health that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1913, H.D. 1, and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Finance.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Health,

____________________________

GREGG TAKAYAMA, Chair