Post-Session Policy Update
The legislative session ended at the State Capitol in early May, bringing with it some major wins for public health. For a full review of the 2022 session, check out our newly released 2022 HIPHI Legislative Recap, which includes a brief summary of recent health-related federal actions and an overview of how major bills fared this year at the Hawai‘i State Legislature. We were fortunate to once again partner with Beth Giesting, former director of Hawai‘i Budget & Policy Center, who offers a deep dive into the state budget and how the Legislature prioritized investments in health. Read below for some highlights about where HIPHI’s legislative priorities ended up.
Tobacco Prevention & Control
Coalition for a Tobacco-Free Hawaiʻi experienced its fair share of tumult this year, with runaway amendments and tobacco industry carve-outs keeping us busy throughout the session. In the end, only one of the Coalition’s priorities – ending the sale of flavored tobacco products – made it to the Governor’s desk. Unfortunately, the version that passed exempts so many flavored tobacco products – like many menthol cigarettes and cherry-flavored cigars – that the bill will not accomplish its intended goals. The Coalition and partners are requesting the Governor vetoes the measure (HB1570). It is clear that we have a lot of work ahead of us in educating lawmakers on the need for a true, comprehensive flavor ban.
Healthy Eating, Active Living
Although, as detailed in our March newsletter, none of the Obesity Prevent Task Force’s priority legislation made it out of committee this year, that does not mean that OPTF faced only losses this session. Our partners like AlohaCare were instrumental in advancing maternal-child health by successfully advocating to extend postpartum benefits for those enrolled in Medicaid. Our friends at Hawaiʻi Food Bank saw $2 million budget allocations for food bank operational costs. HIPHI and OPTF were honored to support these partners and others in their efforts to make Hawaiʻi a healthier place. To learn more about the missed opportunities this year, check out this Op-ed in Civil Beat written by team members and community partners, Hawai‘i Lawmakers Passed on Investments in Preventative Health.
Oral Health
2022 was a major year for increasing access to oral health care. Both of Hawaiʻi Oral Health Coalition’s priorities passed, reinstating preventative and restorative dental benefits to adult Medicaid recipients and strengthening the role of dental assistants in public health settings like schools. These victories, especially in reinstating adult dental benefits, would not have been possible without the years of advocacy from community leaders, nonprofit organizations, and government allies.
Farm to School
Hawaiʻi Farm to School Hui celebrated the passage of SB 2182, which appropriates $200,000 for a new School Garden Coordinator position within the Hawaiʻi Department of Education. This position will be crucial in enabling schools to develop their own school garden programs.
So whatʻs next for HIPHI’s policy priorities? Over the summer, our coalitions will regroup and, if necessary, rework strategies to advance policy change in these areas in the coming months and in 2023. Sign up for our action alerts to stay informed on how you can get involved!
For more information please contact Amanda Fernandes at amanda@hiphi.org or Kristell Corpuz at kristell@hiphi.org.
