THE SENATE	S.R. NO.	60
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026
STATE OF HAWAII

SENATE RESOLUTION

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

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

 

     WHEREAS, the Department of Health offers existing resources that may be leveraged to improve statewide coordination, awareness, screening and diagnostic capacity, and support for individuals affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders; 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; 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 requested to lead the statewide coordination of services and support for individuals with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, by utilizing its current resources to:

 

     (1)  Increase public and professional awareness of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders through targeted educational campaigns;

 

     (2)  Support the integration of screening for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders and referral protocols into existing health, behavioral, and social services programs;

 

     (3)  Coordinate training for health care professionals, educators, and multidisciplinary service providers on the identification, diagnosis, and management of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders;

 

     (4)  Promote inter-agency collaboration to ensure comprehensive support for individuals and families affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, including collaborations among the:

 

          (A)  Department of Human Services;

 

          (B)  Department of Education;

 

          (C)  Office of Wellness and Resilience; and

 

          (D)  Council on Developmental Disabilities; and

 

     (5)  Support data collection and reporting to monitor the prevalence of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, patient outcomes, and program effectiveness within the State; 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 with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Health is requested to submit a report of 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

 

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

 

 

 

	OFFERED BY:	_____________________________

 

 

 

Report Title:

DOH; DHS; DOE; Office of Wellness and Resilience; State Council on Developmental Disabilities; FASD; Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders; State-Based Coordination