HI HR82

Requests the Legislative Reference Bureau to conduct a study examining Hawaii's Certificate of Need (CON) program established in 1975 under chapter 323D, Hawaii Revised Statutes.

Study must examine the CON program's role in Hawaii, potential facility exemptions, modifications implemented in other states, average application costs, and whether requirements have discouraged healthcare facility construction or expansion.

Study must also assess whether eliminating the "competitor's veto" (ability of marketplace competitors to testify against CON applications), reforming CON to improve emergency healthcare capacity, and reducing CON requirements could improve healthcare access on neighbor islands and for vulnerable populations.

Legislative Reference Bureau must submit findings and recommendations, including proposed legislation, to the Legislature no later than 20 days before the 2026 Regular Session convenes.

Resolution acknowledges divided local opinions on CON necessity, with supporters citing lower healthcare costs and quality benefits in states with CON programs, and critics arguing the program restricts competition and innovation.