Requesting The Legislative Reference Bureau To Conduct A Study On The Cost And Scope Of A Comprehensive, Statewide Survey Of Mh, Lgbtqia+, And Qtpi+ Communities In Hawaii.
SCR167 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution requesting the Hawaii Legislative Reference Bureau to study the cost and scope of a comprehensive, statewide survey of Māhū, LGBTQIA+, and QTPI+ communities in Hawaii. The resolution frames the survey as a way to address the lack of reliable, disaggregated data on these populations and to better understand population size, demographics, and lived experiences across health care access, mental and behavioral health, economic stability, education, housing security, and discrimination.
The requested study would also examine methodological and ethical issues involved in conducting such a survey, including culturally responsive research practices, privacy and confidentiality protections, community engagement, and potential funding sources. The resolution directs the LRB to report findings, cost estimates, and recommended timelines to the Legislature before the 2027 Regular Session and transmits copies to the Department of Health, the LRB, and the Hawaii State LGBTQ+ Commission.
Because SCR167 is a concurrent resolution requesting a study rather than changing statutory law, it does not directly amend Hawaii statutes or create new legal obligations. Its practical impact would be to initiate a legislative research process that could inform future policy, appropriations, or program design related to data collection and services for Māhū, LGBTQIA+, and QTPI+ residents. If acted on, the study could shape how state and county agencies collect demographic and needs-based data and how they plan services for affected communities.
The bill text reflects strongly supportive and affirmative sentiment toward the communities identified in the resolution, emphasizing cultural respect, equity, and the need for better data to guide public policy. No committee transcripts or recorded votes were provided, so there is no evidence in the available record of opposition, amendments, or divided sentiment. Based on the resolution’s framing, the measure appears intended as a research and planning step with a generally positive policy tone.
The main points of potential contention are not about the existence of the study itself, but about how it would be designed and implemented. The resolution highlights concerns over cost, methodology, privacy, confidentiality, and the need for culturally informed community engagement, suggesting these are the key issues legislators may scrutinize. Any debate would likely center on whether the survey is feasible, how to protect vulnerable respondents, what data elements should be collected, and whether the state should prioritize this effort over other data or service needs.