HI HB1814

Establishes a temporary fetal alcohol spectrum disorders task force within the Department of Health, chaired by the director of health and including eight state officials plus invited experts and affected individuals.

Task force shall develop guidelines, recommendations, and teaching protocols for supporting individuals with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders and submit findings to the legislature by 20 days before the 2023 regular session, then dissolve on July 1, 2023.

Creates the fetal alcohol spectrum disorders special fund within the state treasury, to be administered by the Department of Human Services, consisting solely of federal funds and interest earned on those funds for assisting individuals with the disorders.

Identifies that an estimated 70,800 people in Hawaii may be affected by fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, costing the state approximately $876,000,000 annually, with 85% of children in foster care or adoptive families remaining undiagnosed or misdiagnosed.

Purposes to enable Hawaii to properly administer federal funding if pending Congressional legislation (H.R. 4151 and S. 2238) addressing fetal alcohol spectrum disorders research, services, and prevention becomes law.