HI HB617

Establishes an oral health task force within the family health services division of the department of health to review Hawaii's oral health status and infrastructure and make recommendations for improvements.

Task force shall review existing oral health data, analyze systemic issues, develop an oral health strategic blueprint, and make recommendations to state and county policymakers regarding actions to improve oral health in Hawaii.

Task force composition includes 21 members representing state agencies, dental associations, community organizations, county governments, and educational institutions, with the family health services division representative serving as chairperson.

Requires task force to submit an interim report to the legislature by December 1, 2024, and a final report with proposed legislation by December 1, 2025; task force ceases to exist on June 30, 2026.

Appropriates unspecified general revenues for fiscal years 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 to hire a consultant to facilitate the task force work and to establish two permanent full-time program specialist positions within the family health services division.