Requesting 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.
SCR183 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution requesting the Hawaii Department of Health, Department of Human Services, and Department of Education to jointly develop a coordinated statewide plan to reduce the impact of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). The resolution describes FASD as a lifelong condition caused by prenatal alcohol exposure and cites significant health, educational, social service, and economic costs in Hawaii. It also notes the availability of federal funding under the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act of 2025 and frames the resolution as an opportunity for Hawaii to improve prevention, early identification, treatment, and long-term support.
The requested plan would examine whether to establish a Statewide FASD Coordinator and would outline strategies for drawing down federal funds, coordinating local and national efforts, increasing public awareness, building treatment capacity, and improving quality of life for affected individuals and families. The resolution also asks the agencies to consider training for health care professionals, educators, and service providers, as well as ways to reduce reliance on foster care and the criminal justice system. The agencies are asked to submit their coordinated plan, findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation to the Legislature by December 15, 2026.
Because SCR183 is a concurrent resolution rather than a bill, it does not itself amend Hawaii statutes or create enforceable legal duties. Its practical effect is to direct state agencies to collaborate on a policy plan and to evaluate administrative and legislative options for addressing FASD. If implemented, the resolution could lead to new agency coordination, program development, data collection, public education efforts, and future legislation or budget requests related to FASD prevention and services.
The overall sentiment reflected in the resolution is strongly supportive and preventive, emphasizing public health, early intervention, and cross-agency coordination. The bill text presents FASD as a serious statewide issue with substantial human and fiscal costs and suggests that a coordinated response would improve outcomes for children, families, and the state. No committee transcripts or vote records were provided, so there is no recorded opposition or debate to indicate a different sentiment.
No formal contention is documented in the provided materials. The resolution itself identifies several policy questions that may become points of discussion, including whether to create a statewide FASD coordinator, how to prioritize limited resources, how to leverage federal funding, and how to balance prevention, treatment, and education efforts. Potential stakeholders include the Department of Health, Department of Human Services, Department of Education, health care providers, educators, families affected by FASD, and advocates for child welfare and criminal justice diversion.