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Bill

SB 2861

RELATING TO THE OFFICE OF WELLNESS AND RESILIENCE.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Stanley Chang and 2 co-sponsors

Hawaii establishes Office of Wellness and Resilience to coordinate public health and community resilience programs, advancing through legislature with committee support.

Received notice of passage on Final Reading in House (Hse. Com. No. 888).
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Bill Summary · SB 2861

Legislative bill overview

SB 2861 establishes or modifies the Office of Wellness and Resilience in Hawaii, a state agency focused on public health and community resilience initiatives. The bill has advanced through committee with amendments and received a favorable recommendation for passage from the Ways and Means Committee.

Why is this important

The creation or restructuring of a wellness and resilience office signals state commitment to preventive health and community preparedness—areas with direct impacts on public health outcomes, emergency response capacity, and potentially healthcare costs. This type of administrative structure can influence how Hawaii allocates resources toward mental health services, disaster preparedness, and community support programs.

Potential points of contention

  • Budget and funding allocation: The specific funding mechanisms and budget amounts for this office are unclear from the bill summary; legislators may debate whether adequate resources are provided or if funds should be redirected from other programs
  • Scope of authority and overlap: Questions may arise about whether this office duplicates existing health department functions or creates unclear jurisdictional boundaries with other state agencies
  • Accountability and metrics: Without clear performance standards or measurable outcomes defined in the bill, oversight of the office's effectiveness could be challenging

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

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