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

 

     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

 

     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;

 

          (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

 

     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