STAND. COM. REP. NO. 395-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2026

RE: H.B. No. 1976

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 Public Safety, to which was referred H.B. No. 1976, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO DEMENTIA,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to require annual dementia-specific training for all first responders in Hawaii and to ensure that training content addresses recognition, assessment, and communication; abuse and neglect identification; caregiver engagement; disaster response; and safe return.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Executive Office on Aging; Alzheimer's Association; AARP Hawaiʻi; Hawaii Primary Care Association; Hawaii Disability Rights Center; Hear 4 Hope; Hawaii Parkinson Association; Alzheimer's Caregiving & The Caregivers; Leading Age Pacific West; and numerous individuals. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency.

Your Committee finds that Hawaii's aging population continues to increase, and the community, including first responders, needs the situational awareness and skills necessary to interact effectively with individuals who may have Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias. Your Committee further finds that this measure equips first responders with tools that enhance safety, reduce stress and miscommunication, and improve decision‑making during high‑pressure incidents.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Public Safety that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1976, 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 Public Safety,

____________________________

DELLA AU BELATTI, Chair