Bill > HCR26

This joint resolution requests the State Health Planning and Development Agency (SHPDA) and Department of Health (DOH) to enhance public participation in the certificate of need (CON) process for special treatment facilities in neighborhoods with community associations. A certificate of need is an authorization required to construct, expand, or modify certain healthcare facilities, which typically goes through either an administrative or standard review process. Currently, administrative review applications do not automatically require public meetings, which has led to frustration among local residents who want input on proposed facilities in their neighborhoods. The resolution specifically asks SHPDA to hold public meetings for all CON applications for special treatment facilities in areas with community associations and to adopt rules requiring CON applicants to appear before the local neighborhood board as part of the application process. This approach aims to increase transparency and community involvement in healthcare facility planning, aligning with Hawaii's Sunshine Law, which promotes open government and public policy formation.

Health and Social Services

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HCR&billnumber=26&year=2025