Bill > HB942

This bill addresses health care service funding challenges in Hawaii by appropriating funds to the Department of Health to support community-based organizations providing critical health services. The legislation recognizes that many communities, especially rural and underserved areas, face significant barriers to obtaining timely and quality health care, which contributes to persistent health disparities among vulnerable populations like Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, and low-income families. According to a 2022 survey, 91% of community-based nonprofit organizations had government contract budgets that did not cover their full operating costs, with 79% often cutting administrative expenses to maintain services. The bill aims to provide increased funding to help these organizations continue delivering essential services such as mental health care, substance abuse treatment, maternal-child health care, and developmental disabilities services. While the exact dollar amount is not specified in the bill text, it proposes funding for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027, with the funds to be expended by the Department of Health. The legislation is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and seeks to create a more sustainable funding model that helps community-based organizations maintain their critical health care safety net.

Health and Social Services

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=942&year=2026