URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO LEAD A COORDINATED INTERDEPARTMENTAL EFFORT TO REDUCE THE IMPACT OF FETAL ALCOHOL SPECTRUM DISORDERS IN THE STATE, INCLUDING DEVELOPMENT OF A PLAN FOR INTERAGENCY COLLABORATION TO ENSURE THE COORDINATION OF SUPPORT SERVICES.

SR69

THE SENATE

S.R. NO.

69

THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026

STATE OF HAWAII

SENATE RESOLUTION

Requesting the Department of Health to lead the STATEWIDE
coordination of services and supports for individuals with Fetal Alcohol
Spectrum Disorders.

WHEREAS, Fetal Alcohol
Spectrum Disorders are a group of conditions that result from prenatal alcohol
exposure and can lead to lifelong physical, behavioral, and functional
challenges; and

����
WHEREAS,
national data indicates that in the United States, one in seven pregnancies
involves alcohol exposure, and one in twenty people lives with a Fetal Alcohol
Spectrum Disorder; and

WHEREAS, Fetal Alcohol
Spectrum Disorders affect families and communities across the State,
contributing to increased health care needs, educational challenges, and social
services utilization; and

����
WHEREAS,
early detection, prevention, and coordinated interventions are critical to
improving outcomes for individuals affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
and their families; and

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WHEREAS, due
to the complexity of diagnosing the spectrum of conditions associated with
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, along with a combination of issues involving shame
and stigma, many individuals living with a Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder in
Hawaii struggle to obtain treatment; and

����
WHEREAS,
enhanced state-based coordination, including the coordination of public
education, professional training, integrated services, and data collection,
will ensure a more effective and efficient response to Fetal Alcohol Spectrum
Disorders; and

����
WHEREAS, Act
192, Session Laws of Hawaii 2023, required the Department of Health to
establish and administer a three-year pilot program to implement a
co-management system of care for the diagnosis and treatment of individuals having
a Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder; now, therefore,

����
BE IT
RESOLVED by the Senate of the Thirty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii,
Regular Session of 2026, that the Department of Health is urged to lead a
coordinated interdepartmental effort to reduce the impact of Fetal Alcohol
Spectrum Disorders in Hawaii; and

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BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED that the Department of Health, in its coordinated effort, is requested
to:

����
(1)
�
Develop a plan for interagency collaboration
to ensure the coordination of support services for individuals and families
affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, including services offered by
the:

���������
(A)
�
Department of Health;

���������
(B)
�
Department of Human Services;

���������
(C)
�
Department of Education;

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(D)
�
Judiciary; and

���������
(E)
�
Any other applicable agencies of the State;

����
(2)
�
Leverage resources by connecting local
expertise and national efforts to maximize impact;

����
(3)
�
Continue efforts to increase awareness of
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders by supporting statewide education and public
awareness campaigns that increase community-based knowledge, reduce shame and
stigma, and provide higher-quality intervention services; and

����
(4)
�
Build capacity by developing and coordinating
training for healthcare professionals, educators, and multidisciplinary service
providers on the screening, detection, diagnosis, and management of Fetal
Alcohol Spectrum Disorders; and

����
BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED that the Department of Health is urged to consult with relevant
stakeholders, including families, advocacy groups, service providers, and other
state agencies to ensure a coordinated and inclusive approach to assisting
persons who have Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders; and

����
BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED that the Department of Health is requested to submit its plan for
interagency collaboration, along with its findings and recommendations,
including any proposed legislation and any necessary appropriations, to the
Legislature at least twenty days prior to the Regular Session of 2027; and

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BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to Governor, Director
of Health, Superintendent of Education, Executive Director of the Office of
Wellness and Resilience, and Chairperson of the State Council on Developmental
Disabilities.

OFFERED BY:

_____________________________

Report Title:

DOH;
DHS; DOE; Judiciary; Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder; FASD; Report