HI HB1976

Requires all first responders in Hawaii (law enforcement officers, firefighters, and emergency medical services personnel) to complete a minimum of one hour of dementia-specific training annually, with the first training cycle to be completed by June 30, 2028.

Directs the Executive Office on Aging to review and recommend a list of low- to no-cost dementia-specific training curricula covering recognition of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, cognitive assessment strategies, de-escalation techniques, abuse/neglect identification, disaster response, and safe return practices.

Mandates that the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, county fire chiefs, the Law Enforcement Standards Board, and the Department of Health begin offering dementia-specific training to their respective personnel by July 1, 2027.

Addresses the growing public health challenge of dementia in Hawaii, where approximately 31,200 residents aged 65+ currently have Alzheimer's disease, a figure projected to double to 62,000 by 2050, with a 20.7% increase between 2020 and 2025.

Provides liability protection stating that dementia-specific training shall not create or impose any civil or criminal liability upon first responder personnel, agencies, or departments.