HB112 appropriates state general funds to the Department of Health to create and operate a free, statewide mental health “warm line.” The bill defines a warm line as a confidential, nonclinical telephone support service for people experiencing psychological distress who are not in immediate danger and do not need emergency intervention. It distinguishes the service from a crisis line or hotline, which are intended for urgent situations requiring licensed professional assistance, safety planning, or referral to other care.
The bill provides $250,000 for fiscal year 2025-2026 and another $250,000 for fiscal year 2026-2027, to be used for equipment, training, and operating costs. The Department of Health would be responsible for expending the funds and establishing statewide access at no cost to users. The measure is framed as filling a gap in Hawaii’s mental health system, building on a warm line the department previously established for the Maui community after the 2023 wildfires.
Impact
HB112 would create a new state-funded mental health support service and direct the Department of Health to expand access beyond crisis response to non-emergency peer-style support. It would not amend existing criminal or health care licensing statutes, but it would add a new appropriated program within DOH’s responsibilities and require expenditure of general revenues for startup and operations over two fiscal years. The bill could affect residents seeking mental health support, especially those who need someone to talk to but do not meet the threshold for 988 or emergency services.
Sentiment
The bill’s stated purpose and framing suggest generally supportive sentiment around expanding mental health services and addressing a recognized service gap. Because there are no committee transcripts or recorded votes in the provided materials, there is no documented opposition or debate to indicate broader legislative division. The measure appears to be presented as a public health and post-disaster support initiative rather than a controversial policy change.
Contention
The main potential point of contention is fiscal: the bill commits $250,000 in each of two fiscal years from general revenues, which may prompt questions about cost, staffing, and long-term sustainability. Another possible issue is program design—specifically how the warm line will be staffed, how it will differ operationally from the 988 crisis line, and whether the service should be statewide or remain targeted to specific communities. No explicit objections are recorded in the provided context, so these are inferred policy considerations rather than documented disputes.