Hawaii House Bill HR126

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/16/26
• Refer: 3/18/26

Caption

Urging The Hawaii State Director Of Health To Issue A Statewide Order To Allow For The Sale And Purchase Of Nebulized Budesonide Without A Prescription Or Consultation With A Healthcare Provider.

Summary

H.R. 126 is a House Resolution urging the Hawaii State Director of Health to issue a statewide order allowing nebulized budesonide to be sold and purchased without a prescription or consultation with a healthcare provider. It also encourages the Director to recommend that nebulizer machines be available over the counter and asks the Board of Pharmacy to adopt any rules needed to support that change. The resolution is built around findings that budesonide has a strong safety profile, is recognized internationally as an essential medicine, and has been studied as a treatment for COVID-19 and other respiratory conditions. It cites multiple clinical trials and public health authorities to support the claim that broader access would improve treatment access and reduce delays in care. The resolution further suggests labeling and written-use instructions to accompany any over-the-counter availability.

Impact

If acted upon, the resolution would not itself amend Hawaii statutes, but it would formally urge the Department of Health and the Board of Pharmacy to change administrative policy and rules affecting the sale of nebulized budesonide and possibly nebulizer machines. The practical effect would be to expand consumer access to this medication and related equipment by removing prescription and provider-consultation requirements, while still allowing the state to impose labeling and instruction requirements for safe use.

Sentiment

The overall sentiment in the resolution is strongly supportive of expanding access to nebulized budesonide, framing it as a safe, effective, and underavailable respiratory treatment. Because there are no committee transcripts or recorded votes provided, there is no direct evidence of opposition or bipartisan debate in the available record. The bill text itself reflects a clear pro-access, pro-over-the-counter stance.

Contention

The main point of contention is likely to be whether nebulized budesonide should be made available without a prescription or medical consultation, given concerns about appropriate diagnosis, dosing, and supervision for respiratory treatments. Supporters emphasize safety, access, and evidence from COVID-19 and respiratory studies, while potential critics may question the strength or applicability of the cited research, the role of pharmacists and physicians, and whether over-the-counter access could lead to misuse or delayed professional care. The resolution attempts to address some of those concerns by calling for labeling and written instructions.