Bill > SB1419

This bill updates the Neighbor Islands Blind and Low Vision Service Pilot Program, which was originally established by Act 253 in 2023, by replacing the term "visually impaired" with "low vision" throughout the legislation to reduce stigmatization. The bill adjusts the program's implementation timeline, moving the development of the implementation plan from 2024 to 2026, and clarifies that the pilot program will cease to exist on July 30, 2029. The program aims to provide comprehensive support services to blind and low vision residents on neighbor islands (defined as counties with fewer than 500,000 residents), including peer-to-peer outreach, counseling, mobility training, technology skills development, daily living skills, and advocacy assistance. The Department of Human Services will contract with a nonprofit organization to recruit and train volunteer service corps members, with a requirement that the organization's management team primarily consists of blind or low vision individuals. The bill also mandates that the department submit a report to the legislature before the 2029 regular session detailing the pilot program's activities, accomplishments, and recommendations for potential future continuation.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services, Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=1419&year=2026