HI SCR140

Asserts that racism is a public health crisis in Hawaii and urges the state to commit to eliminating racial disparities in criminal justice, prioritizing racial equity in decision-making, and recognizing that race should not predict life outcomes.

Directs the Director of Health, in conjunction with the Directors of Human Services and community organizations, to identify the 20 communities with the largest number of ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) households and develop a plan to reduce their number.

Requires the Department of Health to provide a summary of health care services in identified communities and submit findings and recommendations to the Legislature at least 40 days before the 2022 Regular Session convenes.

Urges state departments, agencies, and counties to engage affected communities as partners, prioritize diversity in board membership, promote equity through all approved policies, and enhance educational efforts to address and dismantle racism.

Notes that Hawaii's unemployment reached 21.9 percent in May 2020 and 42 percent of Hawaii households struggle to afford basic necessities, with Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities experiencing disproportionately high COVID-19 infection rates.