Yesterday, Governor Green signed four measures into law to strengthen Hawai‘i’s public safety through the enactment of safety measures and protocols surrounding retention and detention ponds, as well as legislation that implements education and safeguards for pressing kūpuna issues.

The bills reflect the state’s ongoing priorities to protect the most vulnerable in our communities by fostering awareness and launching educational initiatives to better understand and proactively address the impacts surrounding these concerns.

SB 1221: RELATING TO STORMWATER MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
Senate Bill 1221 (Act 281): Due to high drowning rates in the state and the cultural significance of water in the islands, improving water safety and education remains a priority for lawmakers and advocacy groups such as Hawai‘i Water Safety Coalition (HWSC). To make Hawai‘i a safer water state, Act 281 establishes safety measures and regulations for retention and detention ponds.

Under the new law, counties will now regulate retention and detention ponds within county jurisdiction to require a permitting process for construction and proper maintenance and submission of maintenance plans to ensure compliance with safety regulations. In addition to permitting, safety measures will be mandatory, such as enclosed and secured fencing around pond perimeters, “no swimming” signage and accessible emergency buoys. While these regulations do not apply to retention and detention ponds on private property, managing entities must submit sufficient proof of safety compliance to counties. Lastly, a survey of the ponds will be conducted by counties to be submitted to the Legislature.

HB 703: RELATING TO KŪPUNA HOUSING
House Bill 703 (Act 282) extends the sunset date for the state’s kūpuna rent supplement program. Under this program, kūpuna who are 62 years of age or older who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, can qualify for access to the rent supplement program. The program that originally was scheduled to sunset in 2026, will extend to 2028 to continue providing kūpuna support through rent supplement assistance, housing counseling and landlord assistance, in addition to mental health services and other support care services.

SB 1252: RELATING TO DEMENTIA
Senate Bill 1252 (Act 283): To better understand and coordinate care for kūpuna in our communities who are living with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia, Act 283 appropriates funds for training and educational programs within the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa John A. Burns School of Medicine. Positions will be established within the University’s Department of Geriatric Medicine to develop and update the curriculum and carry out training to lay the foundation for comprehensive programs to pioneer dementia and Alzheimer’s-informed care. These initiatives will provide better support and nurturing for kūpuna across the state, while also strengthening the state’s workforce to better address these diseases. This bill appropriates $525,000 for both fiscal years 2026 and 2027.

HB 320 (ACT 284) RELATING TO SUPPORTED DECISION-MAKING AGREEMENTS

 

Photo credit: Office of Governor Josh Green