HI SCR137

Approximately 29,000 dementia patients in Hawaii are diagnosed currently, expected to rise to 35,000 by 2025, with six in ten dementia sufferers at risk of wandering off.

Requests establishment of a task force to develop a Norwegian-based public facility model (similar to "dementia villages" in Netherlands, India, and Norway) that provides safe housing and communal spaces within a closed environment to prevent wandering.

Task force shall consist of the Director of the Office of Wellness and Resilience, Director of Health, and a representative from AARP Hawaii.

Norwegian model features an open-village design that invites community engagement to recreate a familiar "home" feeling, resulting in residents experiencing improved psychological benefits, reduced medication use, and longer lifespans.

Task force must submit findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation to the Legislature no later than 20 days before the 2025 Regular Session convenes.