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HCR 186

URGING THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE AND DEFENSE HEALTH AGENCY TO EXTEND THE RENEWAL PERIOD FOR SECRETARIAL DESIGNEE HEALTH CARE AUTHORIZATIONS RELATED TO THE RED HILL WATER CONTAMINATION CRISIS AND TO IMPROVE HEALTH CARE ACCESS FOR AFFECTED INDIVIDUALS.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Terez Amato and 16 co-sponsors

Urges federal action to extend Secretarial Designee health care authorizations to two years and expand TRICARE access, referrals, and support for Red Hill exposure patients.

Referred to EIG/PSM.
#improvedhealthcare #redhillwatercontaminationcrisis
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Bill Summary · HCR 186

Summary of Bill HCR 186 (2026) – Hawaii

Purpose

HCR 186 urges the federal government (U.S. Department of Defense and Defense Health Agency) to:
1. Extend the renewal period for Secretarial Designee health care authorizations related to the Red Hill water contamination crisis to a two-year renewal cycle, promoting stability and continuity of care.
2. Improve access to health care for individuals affected by the Red Hill fuel exposure through several concrete actions.

The resolution expresses concern for the health and well-being of military families, civilian residents, and DoD personnel affected by the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility contamination on Oahu (identified as occurring in November 2021).

Key Provisions and Changes Proposed

The bill does not create new law at the state level; rather, it urges federal action. The main substantive requests are:

  1. Two-Year Renewal of Secretarial Designee Health Care Authorizations

    • Extend the renewal period for Secretarial Designee health care authorizations (issued under TRICARE) from its current cycle to a two-year period.
    • Rationale: Increase continuity of care for affected individuals by reducing gaps and administrative uncertainty.

  2. Expanded Access to Health Care and Better Coordination
    The resolution urges DoD/Defense Health Agency to improve access to care by:

    • (a) Expanding access to civilian medical providers under TRICARE for those affected by Red Hill.
    • (b) Implementing coordinated referral practices between military treatment facilities and civilian providers, including “warm handoffs” to improve care transitions.
    • (c) Promoting continuity of care and long-term medical monitoring for exposure-related health concerns.
    • (d) Exploring or establishing reimbursement or voucher programs to help with out-of-pocket medical costs, especially for individuals in areas without nearby military treatment facilities.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Directly Affected Groups: Servicemembers, military families, and civilian personnel who were exposed to the Red Hill fuel-contaminated drinking water and who rely on TRICARE or military/civilian health care networks for treatment.
  • Geographic Scope: On Oahu (initial contamination site) and subsequent relocation of affected individuals to various military installations across the United States; includes those living in regions with limited or no military treatment facilities.
  • Health Care Providers: Military treatment facilities and civilian providers who participate in TRICARE networks and coordinate care with military facilities.
  • Potential Beneficiaries: Individuals incurring out-of-pocket costs for Red Hill-related medical services, particularly those without nearby military facilities.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Status: Referred to committees (EIG/PSM) with prior actions including passage in the Hawaii House and transmission to the Senate in April 2026.
  • Issuer Date/Context: 2026 Regular Session; the bill is a concurrent resolution (HCR) urging federal action rather than implementing state-law changes.
  • Target of Urgency: The resolution targets the U.S. Department of Defense, the Defense Health Agency, and the Hawaii congressional delegation for transmission of the requests to the President, DoD leadership, the DHA, and Hawaii’s delegation.
  • Communication Objective: Requires certified copies to be transmitted to federal officials and Hawaii’s congressional delegation.

Sponsorship

  • Primary and co-sponsors from Hawaii’s House, including a broad group of representatives, signaling broad legislative support within the state.

Practical Implications

  • If federal agencies respond affirmatively, affected individuals could experience:
    • Longer periods before needing renewals of Secretarial Designee authorizations, reducing administrative disruptions.
    • Improved access to a broader network of civilian providers under TRICARE.
    • Smoother care transitions between military and civilian providers.
    • Long-term health monitoring and potential financial assistance for out-of-pocket costs tied to Red Hill exposure.

This bill reflects Hawaii’s ongoing concern for Red Hill spill-related health impacts and asks federal leadership to commit to administrative stability and enhanced health-care access for affected residents and service members.

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

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