David Y. Ige

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HONOLULU – Gov. David Ige signed into law HB 1911 (Act 148) authorizing the Department of Health to investigate care facilities reported to be operating without a certificate of license from the department.

“We have seen more and more of these unlicensed care homes popping up across the state, and we just want to be sure that we have the ability to inspect these homes, determine whether they’re licensed, enforce the law and ensure the safety and care of patients,” said Gov. Ige.

The new law establishes penalties for operating an uncertified or unlicensed facility. It also establishes penalties for knowingly referring or transferring patients to uncertified/unlicensed care facilities.

Act 148 takes effect on July 1, 2018.

Gov. Ige also signed into law HB 1906 (Act 147) which makes it a Class C felony to intentionally or knowingly cause bodily injury to certain health care workers.

“We’re see increasing violence against healthcare workers who experience violent assaults at a rate that is four times higher than the national average. This new law aims to provide our healthcare workers with greater protection,” Gov. Ige said.

Act 147 takes effect upon approval.

Gov. Ige signed four additional bills into law during bill signing ceremonies in Honolulu and Hilo on July 6:

SB 122 (Act 144) Mental Health Emergency – Notice to Family Members: Provides designated family members with notice when an individual with a mental health emergency is subject to certain procedures and actions. Also gives designated family members the right to attend individual’s hearings and receive a copy of hearing transcript or recordings, unless court determines otherwise. Takes effect on July 1, 2018.

SB 2087 (Act 145) Rescue Tubes: Amends Hawai‘i’s Good Samaritan Law to provide civil liability exemptions for people who, in good faith, without compensation or expectation of compensation, attempt to rescue a person with a rescue tube. Also includes protects owners and operators of any premises, property or facility where rescue tubes are located. Takes effect upon approval.

HB 1916 (Act 46) Alzheimer’s State Plan: Requires the Executive Office on Aging to biennially update the state plan on Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementias, include an implementation work plan for each goal in the state plan, and include information on progress made in its annual report to the legislature. Takes effect upon approval.

SB 3058 (Act 149) Hilo Community Economic District: Establishes a pilot project with the Board of Land and Natural Resources, to revitalize the Hilo Community Economic District. The bill aims to improve the economy by allowing lessees on Hilo public lands to extend their leases to up to 40 years, if the lessee commits to making substantial improvements to the property. This new law gives lessees and business owners more certainty and stability, and encourages investment in the Hilo area.

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Media Contacts:
Jodi Leong
Deputy Communications Director/Press Secretary
Office of the Governor
Office: 808-586-0043
Mobile: 808-798-3929
[email protected]

Cindy McMillan
Communications Director
Office of the Governor
Office: 808-586-0012
Mobile: 808-265-7974
[email protected]