The Overview
Hawaii's is creating a statewide network to help people with dementia and their caregivers get earlier diagnosis, better care coordination, and treatment options across the islands. The program aims to reduce costs for families, where dementia care in facilities can exceed $15,000 a month. [](#ngr-f97d449e-6f8c-46a1-9e9a-c033a3f85c91)
What the Law Does
The law, titled "Relating to Dementia," establishes the Hanai Memory Network Program within the Executive Office on Aging to build a network of dementia care specialists and support systems. Dementia care specialists are trained social workers or allied health professionals who provide community-based screening, care planning, and coordination services. The bill will also create memory clinics: clinical partnerships between the state and health care providers staffed by primary care doctors and geriatricians to diagnose and treat cognitive impairment.
The Debate
The House passed the bill on Third Reading on March 5, 2026, and the Senate passed it on Final Reading on May 6, 2026, with 25 votes in favor and no votes opposed. The bill moved through multiple committees, including the House Health Committee and House Social Services Committee, which both voted to recommend passage with amendments on February 6, and the Senate Health and Human Services Committee in March, which also voted to recommend passage with amendments.
A long-term care advocate characterized the initiative as incremental and said it ignores the foundational issue of paying for long-term services and supports. Gov. Josh Green (D) signed the bill into law on July 14, 2026.
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This article was generated by AI pulling from data. Each article is edited by an editor for accuracy and clarity.
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