STAND. COM. REP. NO. 396-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2026

RE: H.B. No. 2287

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. 2287 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO PEER SUPPORT COUNSELING,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to extend the confidentiality protections afforded during peer support counseling sessions to correctional workers.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation; Hawaiʻi Correctional System Oversight Commission; Hawaiʻi Government Employees Association, AFSCME Local 152, AFL-CIO; and United Public Workers, AFSCME Local 646, AFL-CIO; and one individual.

Your Committee finds that correctional workers, like law enforcement officers and emergency services personnel, frequently face high-stress and emotionally traumatic situations. Peer support counseling is an essential tool for promoting resilience and reducing the effects of stress and trauma. This measure recognizes the vital need to support correctional staff by extending confidentiality protections to their peer support counseling sessions.

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. 2287 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Public Safety,

____________________________

DELLA AU BELATTI, Chair