Bill > SB1292

This bill reorganizes several state government departments and their responsibilities in Hawaii. It establishes a new Department of Environmental Protection, renames the Department of Health to the Department of Community Health, and renames the Department of Human Services to the Department of Healthcare Services. The bill transfers various responsibilities between these departments, including moving certain health delivery services, environmental management functions, and regulatory duties. Specifically, the Department of Environmental Protection will be responsible for environmental health, environmental management, state laboratories, hazard evaluation, and emergency response. The Department of Healthcare Services will take on some health-related responsibilities previously held by the Department of Health, while also administratively attaching the Hawaii Employer-Union Health Benefits Trust Fund. The bill also provides detailed provisions for transferring employees, assets, contracts, and legal obligations between departments, ensuring that existing rights and ongoing proceedings are not disrupted. The goal is to streamline government operations, improve efficiency, and create more focused departments with clearer missions. The changes are set to be implemented by December 31, 2026, with various administrative and legal preparations to be made in the interim.

Health and Social Services

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=1292&year=2025