Bill > HB814

This bill appropriates a total of $12,000,000 for the Department of Health to address the significant public health concern of youth cannabis use, which is exacerbated by factors like legalization and increased product potency, and can lead to serious long-term health consequences including addiction and cognitive impairment. Specifically, $2,000,000 will fund a multi-media public health and informational campaign to educate the public about the risks of cannabis use for children and any new related laws, utilizing various advertising channels and materials for schools and communities. An additional $5,000,000 will be used by the department's alcohol and drug abuse division to contract with community-based organizations for evidence-based prevention services aimed at stopping substance misuse among youth, and another $5,000,000 will be allocated for similar contracts to provide evidence-based treatment services, such as residential and outpatient programs, for youth struggling with substance use disorder, particularly related to cannabis. The Department of Health is also required to report to the legislature by early 2028 on how these funds were spent, the services provided, the number of individuals served, and the outcomes achieved. This Act is set to take effect on July 1, 3000.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=814&year=2026