HB1462 expands Hawaii’s crisis intervention and diversion services framework within the Department of Health. The bill builds on Act 86 (2024) by requiring the program to establish at least two crisis intervention and diversion services sites on Oahu, with one site located in an area shown by data to have disproportionate numbers of people with mental health disorders or co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. It also clarifies that the program is intended to redirect people at risk of, or already involved in, the criminal justice system to appropriate health care services.
The measure authorizes the use of intensive mobile treatment services as part of the program and directs the department to work with law enforcement, courts, mental health providers, and the broader community to implement the services. The bill is aimed at improving access to crisis response and diversion resources for individuals experiencing behavioral health crises, including those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, particularly on Oahu.
Impact
HB1462 amends section 334-171, Hawaii Revised Statutes, to expand the Department of Health’s crisis intervention and diversion services program and to require a minimum of two Oahu-based service sites. It adds a geographic targeting requirement for one site and expressly permits intensive mobile treatment services, thereby broadening the operational tools available to the department and potentially increasing coordination among health, justice, and community systems. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025.
Sentiment
The overall sentiment around the bill appears strongly supportive. The recorded votes were unanimous in the Senate Health and Human Services Committee, Senate Ways and Means Committee, and both House and Senate conference votes, indicating broad bipartisan agreement on the need to expand crisis services and behavioral health diversion options. The bill’s findings frame the measure as a response to successful existing programs that still do not reach all areas of the state, especially on Oahu.
Contention
There is little evidence of substantive opposition in the available record, as all recorded votes were unanimous and no committee transcripts were provided. The main policy emphasis appears to have been on where to place the new sites and how to target areas with higher concentrations of need, rather than on whether to expand the program at all. Any practical concerns likely center on implementation, coordination with law enforcement and courts, and ensuring adequate staffing and resources for the new sites and mobile treatment services.
Establishing the mental health intervention team program in the Kansas department for aging and disability services in state statute and providing incentives for coordination between school districts, qualified schools and mental health intervention team providers.