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SB 1450

RELATING TO AN INTENSIVE MOBILE TEAM PILOT PROGRAM FOR HOUSELESS INDIVIDUALS SUFFERING FROM SERIOUS BRAIN DISORDERS.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Ron Kouchi

Hawaii creates a pilot mobile crisis team program to deliver mental health services to homeless individuals with serious psychiatric disorders in the community.

Carried over to 2026 Regular Session.
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Bill Summary · SB 1450

Legislative bill overview

SB 1450 establishes a pilot program in Hawaii that deploys intensive mobile teams to provide services to homeless individuals experiencing serious mental health disorders (brain disorders). The program aims to offer outreach, assessment, and coordinated care to this vulnerable population in their communities rather than through traditional institutional settings.

Why is this important

Serious mental illness disproportionately affects homeless populations, yet traditional services often fail to reach them. Mobile intervention teams can provide early crisis prevention, reduce emergency room visits and incarceration, and connect individuals to housing and treatment—potentially reducing costs while improving health outcomes and public safety.

Potential points of contention

  • Funding and sustainability: The bill's long-term financial commitment is unclear; pilot programs often struggle to secure permanent funding after initial phases end, potentially creating service gaps
  • Definition and scope: "Serious brain disorders" may be narrowly defined (schizophrenia, bipolar disorder) or broadly interpreted, affecting who qualifies and program costs
  • Staffing and training: Mobile teams require specialized personnel trained in mental health crisis intervention, de-escalation, and homelessness—Hawaii's ability to recruit and retain qualified staff in this market is uncertain

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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