Hawaii Senate Bill SCR80

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/7/25
• Refer: 3/11/25

Caption

Requesting The Executive Office On Aging To Partner With The University Of Hawaii At Manoa Center On Aging To Establish A Kupuna Workforce Innovation Hub To Implement Short-term Strategies Outlined In The 2025 Strengthening Hawaii's Long-term Direct Care Workforce Strategic Plan.

Impact

The bill addresses significant challenges faced by direct care workers, who are often underpaid and undervalued despite their crucial role in supporting older adults and individuals with special needs. By establishing a framework to improve recruitment and retention of these workers, SCR80 aims to enhance workforce competencies through standardized training and expanded curriculum. This collaborative approach is intended to ensure that caregivers possess the necessary skills and cultural awareness to meet the evolving health care needs of Hawaii's elderly population.

Summary

Senate Concurrent Resolution 80 (SCR80) is a legislative initiative from the State of Hawaii requesting the Executive Office on Aging to collaborate with the University of Hawaii at Manoa's Center on Aging. The purpose of this partnership is to establish a Kupuna Workforce Innovation Hub aimed at implementing short-term strategies outlined in the 2025 Strengthening Hawaii's Long-Term Direct Care Workforce Strategic Plan. Recognizing the increasing demands of an aging population, the resolution emphasizes the need to enhance the state's direct care workforce, which is vital for the long-term care system.

Reporting

SCR80 mandates that the University of Hawaii at Manoa Center on Aging must report its findings and recommendations approximately 40 days before the start of the Regular Session of 2026. This report is expected to include any proposed legislation that stems from the findings, ensuring ongoing evaluation and adaptation of strategies to bolster the state's direct care workforce.

Contention

Key points of consideration within the resolution center on the current inadequacies in the direct care workforce, such as under-reported needs and a lack of systematic data. There may be debates regarding funding and resources required for the establishment of the Kupuna Workforce Innovation Hub, as well as discussions on how best to engage with stakeholders in the field of aging. Moreover, the success of the initiative hinges on overcoming potential resistance and ensuring that proposed legislative recommendations are effectively integrated into state policies.