HB 1973: DOH; KupunAloha Pilot Program; In-Home Care Services; Appropriation
- Session Year: 2025-2026
- House: House
- Latest Version Date: 2026-05-01
Current Status:
Passed
(2026-07-14: Act 246, on 07/14/2026 (Gov. Msg. No. 1348).)
Introduced
In Committee
First Chamber
In Committee
Second Chamber
Final Decking
Enacted
Establishes within the Department of Health a one-year KupunAloha Pilot Program to provide in-home health care and support services to eligible participants who do not otherwise qualify for government assistance for these services. Appropriates funds for the pilot program. Pilot program sunsets 6/30/2027. (CD1)
Establishes within the Department of Health a one-year KupunAloha pilot program to provide in-home health care and support services to eligible participants who do not otherwise qualify for government assistance for these services. Appropriates funds for the program. Pilot program sunsets 6/30/27. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD1)
Establishes within the Department of Health a one-year KupunAloha pilot program to provide in-home health care and support services to eligible participants who do not otherwise qualify for government assistance for these services. Appropriates funds for the program. Pilot program sunsets 6/30/27. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Establishes within the Department of Health the KupunAloha program to provide in-home health care and support services to eligible participants who do not otherwise qualify for government assistance for these services. Appropriates moneys for the program.
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
1973 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 |
H.D. 1 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
S.D. 1 |
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C.D. 1 |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO HEALTH.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to establish a one-year KupunAloha pilot program within the department of health to provide in-home health care and support services for individuals who do not qualify for existing government programs and cannot otherwise afford these services.
SECTION 2. (a) There is established within the department of health a one-year KupunAloha pilot program to provide in-home health care and support services for eligible individuals who do not otherwise qualify for government assistance for these services.
(b) In implementing the pilot program, the department shall create a plan of care for each eligible applicant. The department may refer eligible applicants to health care providers.
(c) The pilot program may enter into contracts with health care providers to effectuate the purposes of this Act. Any contract executed pursuant to this Act shall be subject to chapter 103F, Hawaii Revised Statutes.
(d) An individual shall not be considered eligible for the KupunAloha pilot program if:
(1) The individual is covered by medicaid or any other government assistance program for in-home health care or support services;
(2) The individual does not meet the income requirements for the program established by the department; or
(3) The individual does not meet the need criteria for the program established by the department.
(e) The KupunAloha pilot program shall cease to exist on June 30, 2027.
SECTION 3. The department of health shall submit a report on the effectiveness of the KupunAloha pilot program established pursuant to this Act to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2027. The report shall also include recommendations to improve the efficiency of the KupunAloha pilot program and whether the program should be made permanent.
SECTION 4. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $2,000,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the implementation and operation of the KupunAloha pilot program.
The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of health for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2026.
Report Title:
DOH; KupunAloha Pilot Program; In-Home Care Services; Appropriation
Description:
Establishes within the Department of Health a one-year KupunAloha Pilot Program to provide in-home health care and support services to eligible participants who do not otherwise qualify for government assistance for these services. Appropriates funds for the pilot program. Pilot program sunsets 6/30/2027. (CD1)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
1973 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 |
H.D. 1 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
S.D. 1 |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO HEALTH.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to establish a one-year KupunAloha pilot program within the department of health to provide in-home health care and support services for individuals who do not qualify for existing government programs and cannot otherwise afford these services.
SECTION 2. (a) There is established within the department of health a one-year KupunAloha pilot program to provide in-home health care and support services for eligible individuals who do not otherwise qualify for government assistance for these services.
(b) In implementing the pilot program, the department shall create a plan of care for each eligible applicant. The department may refer eligible applicants to health care providers.
(c) The pilot program may enter into contracts with health care providers to effectuate the purposes of this Act. Any contract executed pursuant to this Act shall be subject to chapter 103F, Hawaii Revised Statutes.
(d) An individual shall not be considered eligible for the KupunAloha pilot program if:
(1) The individual is covered by medicaid or other government assistance programs for in-home health care or support services;
(2) The individual does not meet the income requirements for the program established by the department; or
(3) The individual does not meet the need criteria for the program established by the department.
(e) The KupunAloha pilot program shall cease to exist on June 30, 2027.
SECTION 3. The department of health shall submit a report on the effectiveness of the KupunAloha pilot program established pursuant to this Act to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2027. The report shall also include recommendations to improve the efficiency of the KupunAloha pilot program and whether the program should be made permanent.
SECTION 4. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $ or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the implementation and operation of the KupunAloha pilot program.
The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of health for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.
Report Title:
DOH; KupunAloha Pilot Program; In-Home Care Services; Appropriation
Description:
Establishes within the Department of Health a one-year KupunAloha pilot program to provide in-home health care and support services to eligible participants who do not otherwise qualify for government assistance for these services. Appropriates funds for the program. Pilot program sunsets 6/30/27. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD1)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
1973 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 |
H.D. 1 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO HEALTH.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to establish a one-year KupunAloha pilot program within the department of health to provide in-home health care and support services for individuals who do not qualify for existing government programs and cannot otherwise afford these services.
SECTION 2. (a) There is established within the department of health a one-year KupunAloha pilot program to provide in-home health care and support services for eligible individuals who do not otherwise qualify for government assistance for these services.
(b) In implementing the pilot program, the department shall create a plan of care for each eligible applicant. The department may refer eligible applicants to health care providers.
(c) The pilot program may enter into contracts with health care providers to effectuate the purposes of this Act. Any contract executed pursuant to this Act shall be subject to chapter 103F, Hawaii Revised Statutes.
(d) An individual shall not be considered eligible for the KupunAloha pilot program if:
(1) The individual is covered by medicare;
(2) The individual does not meet the income requirements for the program established by the department; or
(3) The individual does not meet the need requirements for the program established by the department.
(e) The KupunAloha pilot program shall cease to exist on June 30, 2027.
SECTION 3. The department of health shall submit a report on the effectiveness of the KupunAloha pilot program established pursuant to this Act to the legislature not later than twenty days prior to the convening of the 2027 regular session. The report shall also include recommendations to improve the efficiency of the KupunAloha pilot program and whether the program should be made permanent.
SECTION 4. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $ or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the KupunAloha pilot program.
The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of health for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.
Report Title:
DOH; KupunAloha Pilot Program; In-Home Care Services; Appropriation
Description:
Establishes within the Department of Health a one-year KupunAloha pilot program to provide in-home health care and support services to eligible participants who do not otherwise qualify for government assistance for these services. Appropriates funds for the program. Pilot program sunsets 6/30/27. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
1973 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
relating to health.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to establish the KupunAloha program within the department of health to provide in-home health care and support services for individuals who do not qualify for existing government programs and cannot otherwise afford these services.
SECTION 2. There is established within the department of health the KupunAloha program to provide in-home health care and support services for eligible individuals who do not otherwise qualify for government assistance for these services. In implementing the program, the department shall create a plan of care for each eligible applicant. The department may refer eligible applicants to health care providers. The program may enter into contracts with health care providers to effectuate the purposes of this Act. The contracts executed pursuant to this Act shall be subject to chapter 103F, Hawaii Revised Statutes.
Individuals are not eligible for the program if:
(1) The individual is covered by medicare;
(2) The individual does not meet the income requirements for the program established by the department; or
(3) The individual does not meet the need requirements for the program established by the department.
SECTION 3. The department of health shall submit a report on the effectiveness of the KupunAloha program established pursuant to this Act to the legislature not later than twenty days prior to the convening of the 2027 regular session. The report shall also include recommendations to improve the efficiency of the KupunAloha program and whether the program should be made permanent.
SECTION 4. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $2,000,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the KupunAloha program.
The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of health for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2026.
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INTRODUCED BY: |
_____________________________ |
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Report Title:
DOH; KupunAloha Program; In-Home Care Services; Appropriation
Description:
Establishes within the Department of Health the KupunAloha program to provide in-home health care and support services to eligible participants who do not otherwise qualify for government assistance for these services. Appropriates moneys for the program.
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
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Date
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Status
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| Jul 14, 2026 | Act 246, on 07/14/2026 (Gov. Msg. No. 1348). |
| Jul 14, 2026 | Act 246, 07/14/2026 (Gov. Msg. No. 1348). |
| May 8, 2026 | Received notice of passage on Final Reading in House (Hse. Com. No. 888). |
| May 7, 2026 | Transmitted to Governor. |
| May 6, 2026 | Received notice of Final Reading (Sen. Com. No. 816). |
| May 6, 2026 | Passed Final Reading, as amended (CD 1). Ayes, 25; Aye(s) with reservations: none . 0 No(es): none. 0 Excused: none. |
| May 6, 2026 | Passed Final Reading as amended in CD 1 with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and none excused (0). |
| May 1, 2026 | 48 Hrs. Notice (as amended CD 1) 05-06-26 |
| May 1, 2026 | Reported from Conference Committee as amended CD 1 (Conf. Com. Rep. No. 176-26). |
| May 1, 2026 | Forty-eight (48) hours notice Wednesday, 05-06-26. |
| May 1, 2026 | Reported from Conference Committee (Conf Com. Rep. No. 176-26) as amended in (CD 1). |
| May 1, 2026 | The Conference committee recommends that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes of the Senate Conference Managers were as follows: 2 Aye(s): Senator(s) McKelvey, Moriwaki; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 1 Excused: Senator(s) Fevella. |
| May 1, 2026 | The Conference Committee recommends that the measure be Passed, with Amendments. The votes were as follows: 4 Ayes: Representative(s) Takayama, Marten, Keohokapu-Lee Loy, Alcos; Ayes with reservations: none; 0 Noes: none; and 0 Excused: none. |
| Apr 30, 2026 | Conference Committee Meeting will reconvene on Friday 05-01-26 3:45PM in conference room 329. |
| Apr 28, 2026 | Conference Committee Meeting will reconvene on Thursday 04-30-26 4:00PM in conference room 329. |
| Apr 27, 2026 | Bill scheduled for Conference Committee Meeting on Tuesday, 04-28-26 3:45PM in conference room 329. |
| Apr 23, 2026 | Received notice of Senate conferees (Sen. Com. No. 725). |
| Apr 22, 2026 | Senate Conferees Appointed: McKelvey Chair; Moriwaki Co-Chair; Fevella. |
| Apr 20, 2026 | Received notice of appointment of House conferees (Hse. Com. No. 786). |
| Apr 20, 2026 | House Conferees Appointed: Takayama, Marten, Keohokapu-Lee Loy Co-Chairs; Alcos. |
| Apr 17, 2026 | Received notice of disagreement (Hse. Com. No. 780). |
| Apr 16, 2026 | House disagrees with Senate amendment (s). |
| Apr 14, 2026 | Returned from Senate (Sen. Com. No. 647) in amended form (SD 1). |
| Apr 14, 2026 | Report adopted; Passed Third Reading. Ayes, 25; Aye(s) with reservations: none . Noes, 0 (none). Excused, 0 (none). Transmitted to House. |
| Apr 10, 2026 | One Day Notice 04-14-26. |
| Apr 10, 2026 | Reported from WAM (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 3705) with recommendation of passage on Third Reading. |
| Apr 8, 2026 | The committee(s) on WAM recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The votes in WAM were as follows: 13 Aye(s): Senator(s) Dela Cruz, Moriwaki, DeCoite, Elefante, Hashimoto, Inouye, Kanuha, Kidani, Kim, Lee, C., Richards, Wakai, Fevella; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 0 Excused: none. |
| Apr 6, 2026 | The committee(s) on WAM will hold a public decision making on 04-08-26 10:02AM; Conference Room 211 & Videoconference. |
| Mar 25, 2026 | Report adopted; Passed Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referred to WAM. |
| Mar 25, 2026 | Reported from HHS (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 3194) with recommendation of passage on Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referral to WAM. |
| Mar 20, 2026 | The committee(s) on HHS recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in HHS were as follows: 4 Aye(s): Senator(s) San Buenaventura, Kanuha, Keohokalole, Fevella; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 1 Excused: Senator(s) McKelvey. |
| Mar 17, 2026 | The committee(s) on HHS has scheduled a public hearing on 03-20-26 1:00PM; Conference Room 225 & Videoconference. |
| Mar 10, 2026 | Referred to HHS, WAM. |
| Mar 6, 2026 | Passed First Reading. |
| Mar 6, 2026 | Received from House (Hse. Com. No. 69). |
| Mar 5, 2026 | Passed Third Reading with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and Representative(s) Perruso excused (1). Transmitted to Senate. |
| Mar 5, 2026 | Reported from FIN (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 840-26), recommending passage on Third Reading. |
| Feb 27, 2026 | The committee on FIN recommend that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The votes were as follows: 15 Ayes: Representative(s) Todd, Takenouchi, Hartsfield, Hussey, Keohokapu-Lee Loy, Kitagawa, Kusch, Miyake, Morikawa, Perruso, Templo, Yamashita, Alcos, Gedeon, Reyes Oda; Ayes with reservations: none; Noes: none; and 1 Excused: Representative(s) Lee, M.. |
| Feb 24, 2026 | Bill scheduled to be heard by FIN on Friday, 02-27-26 10:00AM in House conference room 308 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Feb 18, 2026 | Passed Second Reading as amended in HD 1 and referred to the committee(s) on FIN with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and none excused (0). |
| Feb 18, 2026 | Reported from HLT/HSH (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 343-26) as amended in HD 1, recommending passage on Second Reading and referral to FIN. |
| Feb 6, 2026 | The committee on HSH recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes were as follows: 9 Ayes: Representative(s) Marten, Olds, Amato, Hartsfield, Keohokapu-Lee Loy, Takayama, Takenouchi, Alcos, Garcia; Ayes with reservations: none; Noes: none; and Excused: none. |
| Feb 6, 2026 | The committee on HLT recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes were as follows: 9 Ayes: Representative(s) Takayama, Keohokapu-Lee Loy, Amato, Hartsfield, Marten, Olds, Takenouchi, Alcos, Garcia; Ayes with reservations: none; Noes: none; and Excused: none. |
| Feb 3, 2026 | Bill scheduled to be heard by HLT/HSH on Friday, 02-06-26 9:00AM in House conference room 329 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Jan 28, 2026 | Referred to HLT/HSH, FIN, referral sheet 3 |
| Jan 26, 2026 | Introduced and Pass First Reading. |
| Jan 23, 2026 | Pending introduction. |
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Date
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Description
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Location
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Votes
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| May 6, 2026 | Final Reading | Senate Floor |
Passed |
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| May 6, 2026 | Final Reading | House Floor |
Passed |
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| Apr 14, 2026 | Third Reading | Senate Floor |
Passed |
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| Apr 8, 2026 | The committee(s) on WAM recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED | Senate Standing Committee on Ways and Means |
Passed |
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| Mar 20, 2026 | The committee(s) on HHS recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | Senate Standing Committee on Health and Human Services |
Passed |
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| Mar 5, 2026 | Third Reading | House Floor |
Passed |
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| Feb 27, 2026 | The committee on FIN recommend that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED | House Standing Committee on Finance |
Passed |
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| Feb 6, 2026 | The committee on HSH recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | House Standing Committee on Human Services & Homelessness |
Passed |
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| Feb 6, 2026 | The committee on HLT recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | House Standing Committee on Health |
Passed |
This list shows positions taken on this bill by organizations on the date displayed, which is linked to the original source.
Positions by individuals are not included.
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Organization
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Position
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Date
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| Aloha Independent Living Hawaii (AILH) | *** Support | Apr 7, 2026 |
| Department of Health, State of Hawaii | *** Support | Feb 6, 2026 |
| Disability and Communication Access Board | *** Support | Apr 7, 2026 |
| Hawaii Disability Rights Center | *** Support | Apr 7, 2026 |
| Hawaiʻi Meals on Wheels | ** Support | |
| Home Care Association of America - Hawaii Chapter | *** Support | Mar 20, 2026 |
| PABEA (Policy Advisory Board for Elderly Affairs) | *** Support | Apr 7, 2026 |
| Project Dana | *** Support | Apr 7, 2026 |
| Project Dāna | *** Support | Feb 28, 2026 |
| State Health Planning and Development Agency (SHPDA) | *** Support | Mar 20, 2026 |
| State of Hawaii Department of Health | *** Support | Mar 20, 2026 |
STAND. COM. REP. NO. 840-26
Honolulu, Hawaii
, 2026
RE: H.B. No. 1973
H.D. 1
Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura
Speaker, House of Representatives
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2026
State of Hawaii
Madame:
Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred H.B. No. 1973, H.D. 1, entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH,"
begs leave to report as follows:
Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the State Health Planning and Development Agency; Disability and Communication Access Board; Home Care Association of America; Project Dāna; and four individuals. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Executive Office on Aging.
Your Committee respectfully requests that, as this measure moves through the legislative process, subsequent committees consider extending the KupunAloha pilot program to two years, with a sunset date of June 30, 2028.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Finance that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1973, H.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Finance,
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____________________________ CHRIS TODD, Chair |
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STAND. COM. REP. NO. 343-26
Honolulu, Hawaii
, 2026
RE: H.B. No. 1973
H.D. 1
Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura
Speaker, House of Representatives
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2026
State of Hawaii
Madame:
Your Committees on Health and Human Services & Homelessness, to which was referred H.B. No. 1973 entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH,"
beg leave to report as follows:
The purpose of this measure is to establish the KupunAloha program within the Department of Health to provide in-home health care and support services for individuals who do not qualify for existing government programs and cannot otherwise afford these services.
Your Committees received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Health; State Health Planning and Development Agency; Hawaiʻi Meals on Wheels; and three individuals. Your Committees received comments on this measure from the Executive Office on Aging.
Your Committees find that approximately twenty-five thousand kupuna in Hawaii fall into a gap group unable to access Medicaid and financial unable to pay for private care. These individuals are among the State's most vulnerable and without intervention, they face isolation, declining health, and premature institutionalization. Your Committees further find that providing support through a dedicated statewide program, like the one proposed by this measure, will help ensure that these vulnerable kupuna can safely remain in their homes and receive needed care, thereby reducing strain on families and the health care system and honoring the cultural values of aging in place.
Your Committees have amended this measure by:
(1) Inserting language clarifying that the KupunAloha program will cease to exist on June 30, 2027;
(2) Changing the appropriation to an unspecified amount;
(3) Changing the effective date to July 1, 3000, to encourage further discussion; and
(4) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.
Your Committees respectfully request your Committee on Finance, should it deliberate on this measure, to consider an appropriation amount of $2,000,000.
As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Health and Human Services & Homelessness that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1973, as amended herein, and recommend that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 1973, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Finance.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committees on Health and Human Services & Homelessness,
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____________________________ LISA MARTEN, Chair |
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____________________________ GREGG TAKAYAMA, Chair |
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Date
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Testimony PDF
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| Apr 7, 2026 | HB1973_SD1_TESTIMONY_WAM_04-08-26_.PDF |
| Mar 20, 2026 | HB1973_HD1_TESTIMONY_HHS_03-20-26_.PDF |
| Feb 28, 2026 | HB1973_HD1_TESTIMONY_FIN_02-27-26_.PDF |
| Feb 6, 2026 | HB1973_TESTIMONY_HLT-HSH_02-06-26_.PDF |
Discussed in Hearing
2MIN
Conference Committee
1MIN
Conference Committee
4MIN
Conference Committee
20SEC
Senate Standing Committee on Judiciary
20SEC
Senate Standing Committee on Ways and Means
7MIN
House Standing Committee on Finance
58SEC
House Standing Committee on Finance
6MIN
House Standing Committee on Health
Bill Author
Bill Co-Author(s):
