HI SB2437

Establishes a neighbor islands blind and visually impaired service pilot program administered by the Department of Human Services to supplement existing services for blind and visually impaired individuals on neighbor islands with populations under 500,000

Pilot program provides peer-to-peer outreach, sight loss adjustment, peer counseling, mobility training, telecommunications and technology training, daily living skills, and advocacy assistance to eligible participants

Program shall be operated through a contract with a nonprofit organization where a majority of the management team members are blind or visually impaired, with existing department personnel handling administrative and fiscal duties

Department must develop special needs transportation assistance services in coordination with neighbor island transportation providers for program participants when public transportation is not a reasonable option

Department shall submit a report to the legislature no later than 30 days before the 2025 regular session with findings, accomplishments, recommendations on program extension, and any proposed legislation; appropriation amount left blank in bill text