HI SR57

Urges the State of Hawaii to place an emphasis on statewide drug and alcohol treatment programs.

Notes that approximately 78,000 individuals aged twelve and older were dependent on or abused alcohol annually in 2013-2014, while about 26,000 were dependent on or abused illicit drugs during the same period.

Highlights that only 7.5 percent of individuals with alcohol dependence or abuse received treatment from 2010-2014, and only 14.4 percent of those with illicit drug dependence or abuse received treatment during the same period.

Documents that state and federal funds for alcohol and drug treatment services decreased from $18,000,000 in fiscal year 2015 to $16,000,000 in fiscal year 2017, with approximately half spent on services for Native Hawaiians.

References studies showing that drug and alcohol treatment saves $4 in health care costs for every $1 spent on treatment, and notes that many treatment centers closed in 2012 and prior years due to funding cutbacks.