Proposed Legislation for Kalaupapa

Hawaii Dept. of Health News Release

In preparation for the future transfer of responsibilities at Kalaupapa following the eventual conclusion of patient care, the Department of Health (DOH) is proposing draft legislation to amend Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS) Chapter 326, which addresses Hansen’s Disease and DOH’s role at Kalaupapa. This draft legislation will be introduced during the upcoming legislative session for review and feedback from legislators and the general public.

This initial draft of the bill reflects the DOH’s preliminary recommendations, developed through years of research, collaboration with the Kalaupapa community, consultation with involved governmental agencies, and engagement with members of the public interested in Kalaupapa’s future. A key purpose of this bill is to provide the public with an opportunity to contribute input on the future of Kalawao County through the legislative process.

Some key highlights: this current version reflects initial recommendations from DOH but does not reflect the Governor’s policy position. The Governor has not yet made a decision to endorse this bill or include it in the administrative package. Once passed, the bill amendments would be set to go into effect one year after the passing of the last Kalaupapa patient. This draft is not final and is expected to change based on input from the public. DOH is sharing it now to stimulate discussion and encourage public input to legislators.

Sharing this draft ahead of the legislative session also allows time for stakeholders to review and consider if they would like to provide testimony or speak with their legislators about the bill.

Public comment on the bill can be provided directly to your legislators or given through public testimony if the bill is heard in committee hearings. Testimony can be written or given via Zoom or in person at the state capitol. Please see the Hawaii State Legislature website at capitol.hawaii.gov for information about tracking the bill and how to give testimony,

For more information on the history and current status of Kalaupapa and Kalawao County, please visit health.hawaii.gov/kalaupapaupdates.