REQUESTING THE GOVERNOR'S SENIOR ADVISOR FOR MENTAL HEALTH AND THE JUSTICE SYSTEM TO FORMULATE A PLAN TO INCREASE ACCESS TO THE HAWAII STATE HOSPITAL FOR CERTAIN MENTALLY ILL- CRIMINAL DEFENDANTS.

This House Resolution asks the Governor's Senior Advisor for Mental Health and the Justice System to create a plan for increasing access to the Hawaii State Hospital for mentally ill criminal defendants and individuals recently released from the facility. The request is based on concerns that the hospital is currently at full capacity, with most patients being evaluated for fitness to stand trial, which limits available space for other needed placements. The resolution directs the Senior Advisor to develop a strategy for creating shelter placements for these populations and submit a report with findings and recommendations to the Legislature by the end of 2026. This measure focuses on improving coordination among state agencies to address placement shortages rather than changing existing laws or funding levels.