HONOLULU (KHON2) — Gov. Josh Green signed several measures on July 3, with the measures enhancing water safety and kūpuna care.
“This is about the safety and well-being of our ʻohana and setting a chain of positive intention to uplift those in our community,” Green said. “These newly enacted laws will provide members of our communities will tools to secure housing, better understand Alzheimer’s disease and prevent drowning incidents.”
According to the governor’s office, the signing of the bills represent the state’s priorities of protecting the most vulnerable communities in the state.
SB 1221: Relating to Stormwater Management Systems
Due to high drowning rates in the islands, as well as the cultural significance of water, the Office of the Governor says that water safety is paramount in their eyes.
This bill establishes safety measures and regulations for retention and detention ponds.
The new law would require counties to regulation these ponds, and requires a permitting process for the construction and maintenance to ensure proper safety standards.
Measures will also be put into place, such as enclosed and secured fencing around pond perimeters, signs that indicate no swimming and emergency buoys. The ponds must also be surveyed by the counties, with the findings reported to the state legislature.
“This is more than just a water safety bill. [The bill] is a legacy enactment in memory of Charlotte ‘Sharkey’ Schaefers, a brave 5-year-old hero who risked her life to save a friend stuck in a detention pond in 2004,” Green said. “The life of such a young girl should have never been taken that day, and now we can hope that it will never happen again.”
HB 703: Relating to Kūpuna Housing
Also known as Act 282, this bill extends the sunset date for the state’s kūpuna rent supplement program. As the program stands, kūpuna who are over the age of 62 who are homeless or at risk of being homeless can qualify for the rent supplement program.
The program was originally scheduled to sunset in 2026 — the new sunset date is set for 2028.
SB 1252: Relating to Dementia
The signing of this bill appropriated funds for training and educational program at the John A. Burns School of Medicine at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.
Positions at the school will be established within the Department of Geriatric Medicine so that new and updated curriculum may be developed to pioneer dementia and Alzheimer’s-related care.
Over half of a million dollars will be appropriated in both fiscals years 2026 and 2027.
“Hawaiʻi’s aging population is growing rapidly and we must prepare our healthcare workforce to meet its unique needs,” Sen. Stanley Chang said. “Investing in JABSOM’s dementia education and training supports our kūpuna and strengthens the future of healthcare in our state. [The bill] helps build a local, informed workforce that can provide compassionate, expert care for individuals living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.”