HI HR131

Requests the Department of Health, Department of Human Services, and Department of Education to develop a coordinated plan to reduce the impact of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) in Hawaii, with a report due by December 15, 2026.

Approximately 840 babies born in Hawaii each year have FASD, with an estimated annual cost of $876,000,000 for healthcare, special education, residential care, lost productivity, and corrections.

The plan should assess the feasibility of establishing a Statewide FASD Coordinator and identify strategies for accessing $12,000,000 in federal funding available under the FASD Support Act (P.L. 119-44).

Requested strategies include public awareness campaigns to reduce alcohol exposure during pregnancy, training healthcare professionals and educators in FASD screening and diagnosis, and reducing foster care and criminal justice system involvement.

The plan should address improving quality of life for individuals with FASD and their families by lowering economic barriers to early intervention, accommodations, and support services.