SB 2259

THE SENATE
S.B. NO.
2259
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026
S.D. 1
STATE OF HAWAII
H.D. 1
C.D. 1
A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS, ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT, AND TOURISM.
BE IT
ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
���� SECTION 1.� The legislature finds that Alzheimer's
disease and other forms of dementia are not only detrimental to residents of
the State but also affect businesses, economic growth, and visitors to Hawaii.
���� Creating
a dementia-friendly business environment would greatly enhance the quality of
life for those living with dementia and their caregivers, while demonstrating
that these diseases are not just a health issue, but also an economic and
community development priority.
���� Accordingly,
the purpose of this Act is to establish a business recognition program within
the department of business, economic development, and tourism to promote brain
health awareness in the business community and provide knowledge on the harmful
effects of not only Alzheimer's disease, but all forms of dementia, to better
serve and support customers while creating a dementia-capable workforce.
���� SECTION
2.� Chapter 201, Hawaii Revised Statutes,
is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read
as follows:
���� "�201-  � Hawaii dementia initiative business
recognition program.� (a)�
There is established within the department of business, economic
development, and tourism the Hawaii dementia initiative business recognition
program to promote awareness of Alzheimer's disease and dementia among the
business community and a dementia-capable workforce.
���� (b)� The program shall be
accessible through the department's website, where businesses may apply to
become recognized as dementia-friendly.
���� (c)� Businesses that apply shall
receive a list of approved organizations that provide dementia training for
employees.� All current employees shall
complete a one-hour training session to qualify the business as
dementia-friendly.
���� (d)� Upon completing the training
under subsection (c), a business shall receive:
���� (1)� Access to a badge for the website of
the business, indicating that the business is certified by the Hawaii dementia
initiative business recognition program as dementia-friendly; and
���� (2)� A decal or sticker of the Hawaii
dementia initiative certified business logo to place at the physical location
of the business.
���� (e)� The department shall publish a
list of recognized businesses on its website for access by individuals living
with dementia and their families.
���� (f)� The department may also
promote the program and the list of Hawaii dementia initiative-certified
businesses through various media to further incentivize business participation."
���� SECTION
3.� There is appropriated out of the
general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $90,000 or so much thereof
as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 to establish and administer the
Hawaii dementia initiative business recognition program.
���� The
sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of business, economic
development, and tourism for the purposes of this Act.
���� SECTION
4.� New statutory material is
underscored.
���� SECTION
5.� This Act shall take effect on July 1,
2026.
Report Title:
DBEDT;
Hawaii Dementia Initiative Business Recognition Program; Establishment; Appropriation
Description:
Establishes
the Hawaii Dementia Initiative Business Recognition Program within the
Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism.� Appropriates funds.� (CD1)
The summary description
of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is
not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.