RELATING TO CARE HOMES.

SB3236

THE SENATE

S.B. NO.

3236

THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026

STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating
to care homes
.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

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SECTION
1.
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The legislature finds that many
licensed care homes in central Oahu operate in aging facilities and serve vulnerable
populations, including kupuna, individuals with disabilities, and medically
fragile residents.
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These facilities are
particularly susceptible to damage from natural disasters, climate-related
hazards, and prolonged power outages.
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Strengthening the physical infrastructure and disaster resilience of
these care homes is critical to safeguarding resident health and safety,
minimizing emergency response needs, and supporting community stability and
recovery.

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The
purpose of this Act is to establish the central Oahu care home community
resilience pilot program to assist eligible licensed care home facilities
within the 96797 postal zip code on the island of Oahu in enhancing their
resilience against natural disasters, climate-related risks, and extended
utility disruptions.

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SECTION
2.
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(a)
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The Hawaii emergency management agency, in coordination with the office
of health care assurance of the department of health, shall establish the
central Oahu care home community resilience pilot program.

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(b)
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The purpose of the pilot program shall be to
assist eligible licensed care home facilities within the 96797 postal zip code
on the island of Oahu to implement structural and operational resilience
improvements; provided that eligible structural and operational resilience
improvements may include but are not limited to:

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(1)
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Roof reinforcement, hurricane clips, and
wind-resistant materials;

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(2)
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Impact-resistant windows, storm shutters, and
strengthened doors;

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(3)
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Backup power systems and battery storage for
essential medical equipment;

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(4)
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Air filtration or cooling enhancements for
extreme heat or wildfire smoke;

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(5)
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Fire-resistant landscaping and defensible
space; and

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(6)
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Shelter-in-place or safe room modifications.

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(c)
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The pilot program may provide, as funds
permit:

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(1)
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Grants, rebates, or contracted services for
structure hardening;

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(2)
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Facility vulnerability assessments for wind,
heat, wildfire smoke, and power disruption risks;

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(3)
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Technical assistance and training in
preparedness and continuity of operations; and

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(4)
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Support for emergency power and cooling
solutions for medically fragile residents.

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(d)
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The following care home facilities within the
96797 postal zip code on the island of Oahu shall be eligible for the pilot
program:

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(1)
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Adult residential care homes;

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(2)
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Expanded adult residential care homes;

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(3)
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Community care foster family homes;

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(4)
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Developmental disabilities domiciliary homes;

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(5)
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Intermediate care facilities; and

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(6)
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Any other licensed residential care home
serving vulnerable populations within the 96797 postal zip code on the island
of Oahu.

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(e)
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The pilot program shall prioritize assistance
to care home facilities that:

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(1)
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Serve low-income residents, kupuna, or persons
with disabilities;

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(2)
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House residents dependent on life-sustaining
medical equipment;

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(3)
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Are located in high-risk hazard zones;

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(4)
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Operate in structures more than twenty-five
years old; and

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(5)
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Demonstrate financial need.

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(f)
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Each care home facility shall adopt an
evacuation plan for its residents and employees.

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(g)
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The
Hawaii emergency
management agency
, in collaboration with the office of health care
assurance of the department of health, shall submit a report to the legislature
no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of
2027.
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The report shall include:

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(1)
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The number and types of care homes assisted;

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(2)
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Completed assessments and improvements;

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(3)
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Estimated reductions in disaster-related
risks;

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(4)
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Stakeholder feedback; and

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(5)
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Recommendations for extending or expanding the
pilot program statewide, including proposed legislation.

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(h)
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The Hawaii emergency management agency may
adopt rules pursuant to chapter 91, Hawaii Revised Statutes, to implement this Act.

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(i)
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As used in this Act:

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"Kupuna"
means an individual who is sixty years of age or older or who has specific care
needs.

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"Pilot
program" means the central Oahu care home community resilience pilot
program.

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SECTION
3.
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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 central Oahu care
home community resilience pilot program pursuant to this Act.

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The sum
appropriated shall be expended by the Hawaii emergency management agency for
the purposes of this Act.

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SECTION 4.
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This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2026.

INTRODUCED BY:

_____________________________

Report Title:

Central Oahu Care Home Community Resilience Pilot Program;
Hawaii Emergency Management Agency; Office of Health Care Assurance; Care
Homes; Structural and Operational Resilience Improvements; Appropriation

Description:

Requires
and appropriates funds for the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency to establish
a Central Oahu Care Home Community Resilience Pilot Program to assist eligible
care home facilities to implement structural and operational resilience
improvements.
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Requires a report to the Legislature.

The summary description
of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is
not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.