Green Signs 51 Bills Into Law > Hawaii Free Press

Hawai'i Free Press

Monday, July 1, 2024

Green Signs 51 Bills Into Law
By News Release @ 11:59 PM :: 378 Views :: Hawaii State Government

GOVERNOR GREEN SIGNS 22 BILLS FOR HAWAIʻI’S HEALTH CARE, COMMUNITY SYSTEMS AND HEALTH CARE WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT INTO LAW

News Release from Office of the Governor, June 27, 2024

HONOLULU – Governor Josh Green, M.D., today signed 22 significant pieces of legislation into law, marking a significant day for Hawaiʻi’s health care industry, community support systems, and health care workforce development. Among these new laws are four key bills: SB 3139, HB 2159, SB 3094, and HB 1827, which would continue the Green Administration’s commitment to a healthier Hawaiʻi and improving the state’s health care system.

SB 3139: RELATING TO CRISIS SERVICES

SB 3139 creates a crisis intervention and diversion services program within the Department of Health, aimed at steering individuals with mental health and substance use disorders away from the criminal justice system and toward appropriate health care services. This initiative reflects Hawaiʻi’s commitment to providing compassionate care and support to those in crisis, ensuring they receive timely intervention and treatment instead of incarceration.

“Through this bill, we affirm our commitment to a more humane and effective approach to addressing mental health crises in our communities. By prioritizing access to crisis intervention services, we can support individuals in need and foster healthier outcomes for everyone,” said Governor Green.

HB 2159: RELATING TO MENTAL HEALTH

HB 2159 amends Hawaiʻi’s mental health statutes, emphasizing enhanced support for individuals needing assisted community treatment (ACT). This bill requires the Department of the Attorney General to assist in preparing and filing petitions for ACT, ensuring that individuals receive necessary psychiatric evaluations before discharge from psychiatric facilities, and allowing private petitioners the option to decline state assistance. These changes aim to streamline access to mental health services and divert individuals away from the criminal justice system, promoting a more compassionate and effective approach to mental health care in Hawaiʻi.

This measure underscores Governor Green’s commitment to improving mental health outcomes statewide. “By ensuring comprehensive support through assisted community treatment, we are prioritizing the well-being of individuals in crisis and reinforcing our commitment to compassionate care for all residents of Hawaiʻi,” said the Governor. These reforms are set to take effect immediately, marking a significant step forward in Hawaiʻi’s efforts to strengthen its mental health support framework.

SB 3094: RELATING TO PEER SUPPORT SPECIALISTS

SB 3094 establishes a temporary peer support specialist working group within the Office of Wellness and Resilience (OWR) to enhance the role and effectiveness of peer support specialists in Hawaiʻi. Peer support is recognized for its benefits in mental and behavioral health, as well as for individuals facing homelessness, substance abuse, and involvement in child welfare or justice systems.

“Creating the Office of Wellness and Resilience and establishing this working group are visionary steps toward a healthier, more resilient, and more supportive Hawaiʻi,” said Governor Green. “Peer support specialists play a vital role in fostering recovery and resilience, and this legislation will strengthen our state’s mental health infrastructure.”

HB 1827: RELATING TO HEALTH CARE WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

HB 1827 addresses the pressing need for a robust health care workforce in Hawaiʻi. This legislation focuses on implementing new and expanding existing programs to attract, train, and retain health care professionals in the state. HB 1827 includes initiatives utilizing a public-private investment and partnership model including support for the High School Health Care Workforce Certificate Program, classroom renovations for health care training, and the Glidepath Program for Certified Nurse Aides.

The complete list of bills signed included the following:

Click links to see full details of bills enacted into law.

RELATING TO MENTAL HEALTH

RELATING TO PUBLIC HEALTH STANDING ORDERS

SB3122 SD1 HD2

RELATING TO MEDICAL CARE FOR MINORS

SB3125 SD2 HD2

RELATING TO INSURANCE

HB1686 HD1 SD1 CD1

RELATING TO NURSES

SB63 SD2 HD3 CD2

RELATING TO PRESCRIPTIONS

SB2119 HD1 CD1

HB1836 HD2 SD2 CD1

RELATING TO DENTAL HYGIENISTS

SB2476 HD2 CD1

RELATING TO PROVIDER ORDERS FOR LIFE-SUSTAINING TREATMENT FORM

SB2529 SD1 HD1 CD1

RELATING TO WORKERS’ COMPENSATION MEDICAL BENEFITS

HB1944 HD2 SD1 CD1

HB1889 HD1 SD2

RELATING TO THE OʻAHU REGIONAL HEALTH CARE SYSTEM, HAWAIʻI HEALTH SYSTEMS CORPORATION

SB2387 SD2 HD1 CD1

RELATING TO TITLE 24, HAWAIʻI REVISED STATUTES

HB2393 HD1 SD1

RELATING TO PHARMACISTS

HB2553 HD2 SD2 CD1

RELATING TO EDUCATION

HB2577 HD1 SD1

Photos from today’s ceremony, courtesy Office of the Governor, will be uploaded here.

Video of the event can be viewed here.

* * * * *

GOVERNOR GREEN SIGNS 13 BILLS FOR NATIVE HAWAIIAN COMMUNITIES AND DHHL BENEFICIARIES ON HOUSING, EDUCATION, AND FOSTERING CULTURAL PRACTICES

News Release from Office of the Governor, June 28, 2024

HONOLULU — Governor Josh Green, M.D., today signed 13 significant pieces of legislation into law, marking a significant day and the Green Administration’s renewed commitment for Hawaiʻi’s Department of Hawaiian Homelands (DHHL), Native Hawaiian education, cultural practices and traditions, and stewardship. Among these new laws are four key bills: SB 3109, HB 2074, SB 2937, and SB 2659, which would continue the Green Administration’s commitment to ensuring housing, education, and responsible tourism for Native Hawaiian communities.

SB 3109: ADDRESSING THE HOUSING WAITLIST

SB 3109 tackles the long-standing waitlist to provide housing to beneficiaries by extending a $600 million special fund. This fund will be used to develop housing, purchase land, provide funding for applicants on the waiting list, and offer housing assistance to families. Additionally, the bill explores revenue-generating opportunities from controlled lands to further assist beneficiaries.

“This legislation is a major step toward fulfilling our commitment to providing housing for our beneficiaries,” said Governor Green. “By extending this special fund, we can make significant progress in addressing the housing needs of our community.”

HB 2074: STRATEGIC PLAN FOR KAIAPUNI EDUCATION

HB 2074 mandates the Department of Education (DOE) to develop a comprehensive strategic plan for Kaiapuni (learning environment) education during the 2023-2024 school year. The plan will monitor the academic success of approximately 1,400 students in the Kaiapuni program. The bill also appropriates approximately $3.5 million to fund new positions for Kaiapuni teachers and curriculum specialists.

“Kaiapuni education is vital for the preservation and promotion of Hawaiian language and culture,” stated Governor Green. “This strategic plan will ensure that our Kaiapuni students receive the support they need to succeed academically. I thank the DOE for their dedication to this important cause.”

SB 2937: HAWAIIAN LANGUAGE LEARNING AT UH HILO

SB 2937 permanently exempts the College of Hawaiian Languages at UH Hilo from English-medium standards. This legislation furthers the state’s commitment to Hawaiian language learning and education, ensuring that students can receive instruction in the Hawaiian language without the constraints of English-medium standards.

“This bill is a testament to our commitment to Hawaiian language revitalization,” said Governor Green. “By making this exemption permanent, we support UH Hilo’s College of Hawaiian Languages in its mission to promote and preserve the native language of Hawaiʻi.”

SB 2659: SUSTAINABLE TOURISM DEVELOPMENT

SB 2659 requires the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority (HTA) to develop and update a Tourism Functional Plan. This plan will update Hawaiʻi’s visitor industry policy to emphasize sustainable development, cultural integrity, and economic diversification, including Native Hawaiian cultural resources.

“Sustainable tourism is essential for the future of our state,” stated Governor Green. “This bill ensures that our visitor industry grows in a way that respects and preserves our cultural heritage while promoting economic diversification.”

Governor Green’s signing of today’s 13 bills signifies a commitment to strengthening Hawaiian homelands, enhancing Native Hawaiian education, preserving cultural practices, and promoting sustainable development. These new laws are set to bring meaningful change to the state and its people.

“Today, we make significant strides in supporting our Native Hawaiian community and preserving our cultural heritage,” concluded Governor Green. “I am grateful to all the legislators, advocates, and community members who have worked tirelessly to make these bills possible. Together, we are building a brighter future for Hawaiʻi and its Native Hawaiian communities.”

The complete list of bills signed included the following:

Click links to see full details of bills enacted into law.

RELATING TO REGULATION OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES

SB3154 HD1 SD1 CD1

RELATING TO THE HAWAIIAN HOMES COMMISSION ACT

HB2218 HD1 SD2

RELATING TO KALAUPAPA

SB2289 SD2 HD2 CD1

RELATING TO BURIAL SITES

SB2591 SD2 HD1 CD1

RELATING TO MAKAHIKI COMMEMORATION DAY

SB2657 SD1 HD2 CD1

RELATING TO THE LAND TRUST ACT

SB3236 HD1 CD1

RELATING TO ACCESS TO VITAL RECORDS FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HAWAIIAN HOME LANDS

SB3123 SD2 HD1 CD1

RELATING TO BURIAL COUNCILS

HB1529 HD2 SD2

RELATING TO FISHPONDS

HB2626 HD1 SD1

Photos from today’s ceremony, courtesy Office of the Governor, will be uploaded here.

Governor Green presented this slide deck during the bill signing.

Video of the event can be viewed here.

* * * * *

GOVERNOR GREEN SIGNS 16 BILLS TO ENHANCE THE PROTECTION AND CARE OF HAWAIʻI’S KEIKI AND KŪPUNA

News Release from Office of the Governor, July 1, 2024

HONOLULU — Governor Josh Green, M.D., today signed 16 key bills to enhance the protection and care of Hawaiʻi’s keiki and kūpuna and to ensure safety in Hawaiʻi’s schools.

“These legislative measures represent a significant step forward in safeguarding our most vulnerable populations — our keiki and kūpuna,” said Governor Green. “Our schools need to be safe environments for learning and our kūpuna need to have access to the services they need.”

The new laws include:

HB 2400: ADDRESSING TEACHER MISCONDUCT

HB 2400 requires teachers who resign or retire during an investigation into allegations of sexual assault, harassment, or physical abuse, to forfeit their teaching licenses. This forfeiture must be reported to the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification, which closes the loophole that allows teachers accused of serious misconduct to continue teaching elsewhere if they resign or retire in lieu of being disciplined. The new rules take effect upon approval, ensuring immediate action to protect students and to maintain the integrity of the teaching profession.

HB 2224: COMPREHENSIVE LONG-TERM CARE PLAN

HB 2224 requires the Executive Office on Aging, in coordination with the State Health Planning and Development Agency, to create a comprehensive long-term care plan to accomplish certain long-term care policy goals that ensure the availability of a full continuum of institutional and community-based services for Hawaiʻi’s growing elderly population in Hawaiʻi with disabilities and chronic conditions. The bill emphasizes the preference for home-based care and aims to develop a comprehensive long-term care plan to ensure a continuum of care services. The bill also appropriates $79,872 for FY 2024-2025 to establish a long-term care planner position.

SB 2305: ESTABLISHMENT OF A SILVER ALERT PROGRAM

To protect vulnerable seniors and individuals with cognitive impairments or developmental disabilities who go missing, this program will utilize systems like the emergency alert system and wireless emergency alerts to disseminate information quickly and efficiently. The Department of Law Enforcement will develop and implement the program, with activation conditions including age, cognitive impairment, or developmental disability and a credible threat to the individual’s health and safety. The act appropriates $250,000 for FY 2024-2025 to establish and operate the program, effective July 1, 2024.

SB 2475: CREATION OF A “HARM TO STUDENTS” REGISTRY

SB 2475 establishes a “harm to students” registry to prevent school employees, contractors or volunteers who have inflicted harm on students from gaining employment in schools. Reporting institutions must certify due process, consult the registry before hiring, and share investigation information. The registry is exempt from public disclosure laws, and institutions must defend and indemnify the Department of Education from related liability.

HB 2430: ESTABLISHMENT OF A SUMMER EBT PROGRAM FOR OUR KEIKI

HB 2430 aims to maximize participation in the federal summer electronic benefits transfer (EBT) for children program. The Department of Education will work with the Department of Human Services to share necessary data and comply with federal regulations. The bill appropriates $53,500 for the Department of Education and $2,050,000 for the Department of Human Services for FY 2024-2025, contingent on matching federal funds.

“Ensuring that our keiki have access to nutritious meals during the summer months is my administration’s utmost priority. This program will make sure that as many families as possible are participating to enhance our state’s food security and promote healthy development for our keiki,” Green said.

The complete list of bills signed included the following:

Click links to see full details of bills enacted into law.

RELATING TO THE CHILD PROTECTIVE ACT

SB2245 SD1 HD2

RELATING TO MINORS

HB470 HD2 SD2

RELATING TO CHILD CARE

HB2227 HD2 SD1

RELATING TO THE CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT CENTRAL REGISTRY

HB2425 HD2 SD2

RELATING TO RELATIVE RESOURCE CAREGIVERS

HB2426 HD2 SD2