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SCR 167

REQUESTING THE LEGISLATIVE REFERENCE BUREAU TO CONDUCT A STUDY ON THE COST AND SCOPE OF A COMPREHENSIVE, STATEWIDE SURVEY OF MĀHŪ, LGBTQIA+, AND QTPI+ COMMUNITIES IN HAWAII.

2026 Regular Session

Hawaii requests a cost and scope study for a comprehensive statewide survey of Māhū, LGBTQIA+, and QTPI+ communities to inform future policy decisions.

Offered.
#comprehensivesurvey #doh #lgbtqia+ #lrb #māhū #qtpi+ #report
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Bill Summary · SCR 167

Legislative bill overview

SCR 167 is a resolution requesting Hawaii's Legislative Reference Bureau to conduct a comprehensive study examining the costs and scope of conducting a statewide survey of Māhū (traditional Hawaiian gender-variant individuals), LGBTQIA+, and QTPI+ (Queer, Trans, and Two-Spirit Indigenous Plus) communities. The study would assess what such a survey would entail and how much it would cost to implement.

Why is this important

Demographic data on marginalized communities is often limited or outdated, making it difficult for policymakers to allocate resources effectively or understand specific health, economic, and social needs. A statewide survey could provide Hawaii lawmakers with baseline data to inform future legislation, funding decisions, and community support programs targeting these populations. This is particularly significant given Hawaii's unique cultural context with Māhū traditions rooted in Native Hawaiian culture.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost concerns: Critics may question whether state resources should fund this study when budgets are already constrained, or argue the money could be better spent on direct services rather than data collection.
  • Privacy and safety: Some may worry about potential privacy risks for survey respondents or fear that government data collection could expose vulnerable individuals to discrimination.
  • Scope and methodology: Debate may arise over how to accurately define and reach these communities, whether online/anonymous surveys suffice, and whether the study's breadth (combining multiple distinct communities) dilutes meaningful analysis.

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

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