On Thursday, Governor Josh Green, M.D., took a significant step forward in enhancing public safety in Hawaiʻi by signing four new measures into law aimed at addressing both urgent safety concerns and providing essential support for the state’s kūpuna, or elderly population.
These legislative actions underscore the state’s commitment to protecting its most vulnerable community members by setting forth regulations and launching educational programs designed to improve awareness and safety.
“This is about the safety and well-being of our ‘ohana and setting a chain of positive intention to uplift those in our community,” Governor Green stated during the signing event. “These newly enacted laws will provide members of our communities with tools to secure housing, better understand Alzheimer’s disease, and prevent drowning incidents. I am grateful for the community leaders and advocates who identified critical needs and helped bring these quality of life measures to fruition.”
One of the key pieces of legislation is Senate Bill 1221, which addresses stormwater management systems. Known as Act 281, this law was motivated by the high rates of drowning in the state and the cultural significance of water among the islands’ residents.
Act 281 specifies that counties must regulate retention and detention ponds within their jurisdictions. The law mandates a permitting process for the construction of such ponds, as well as proper maintenance and submission of safety plans.
Safety measures now required by this law include enclosed and secured fencing around pond perimeters, posted “no swimming” signs, and the installation of accessible emergency buoys.
While these regulations generally do not extend to private property, managing entities will need to demonstrate safety compliance to local counties. Furthermore, counties are tasked with conducting a comprehensive survey of these ponds to be presented to the Legislature.
Governor Green reflected on the personal impact of the legislation, stating, “This is more than just a water safety bill. Act 281 is a legacy enactment in memory of Charlotte ‘Sharkey’ Schaefers, a brave 5-year-old hero who risked her life to save a friend stuck in a detention pond in 2004.”
He added, “The life of such a young girl should have never been taken that day, and now we can hope that it will never happen again.”
Representative Jeanne Kapela, who represents District 5, emphasized the bill’s importance, saying, “SB 1221 represents a significant step forward in improving water safety and protecting Hawai‘i’s keiki and families from preventable drowning tragedies.”
She highlighted that the legislation establishes essential safety protocols that will ultimately create safer environments for families, while honoring the memory of Charlotte Schaefers.
Allison Schaefers, Charlotte’s mother and a member of the Hawai‘i Water Safety Coalition (HWSC), expressed gratitude towards the governor and the legislators involved. “We must never forget Sharkey’s act of heroism, and this law, which is her legacy, is going to save lives in our state. It’s my hope that Hawai‘i will become the model for a national detention and retention pond safety program.”
Charlotte’s legacy continues to inspire efforts to create comprehensive water safety strategies across the islands. The HWSC recently released the Hawai‘i Water Safety Plan—”I Palekana Kākou Ka Wai: Let Us Be Safe in the Water”—as a roadmap towards addressing Hawaiʻi’s drowning crisis.
Kalani Vierra, Chief of Kaua‘i Ocean Safety and president of the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association, also recognized this collaborative effort, stating, “I’m truly speechless to witness the fruits of our dedicated collaboration over the past few years.”
In addition to water safety legislation, House Bill 703 (Act 282) extends the sunset date for the kūpuna rent supplement program. This program allows kūpuna aged 62 and older, who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, to access vital rent supplement assistance until 2028, thereby ensuring ongoing support.
The extension also encompasses housing counseling and landlord assistance, alongside mental health services and other necessary support care services.
Senate Bill 1252 (Act 283) aims to enhance care coordination for kūpuna living with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. The law appropriates funds for training and educational programs at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa’s John A. Burns School of Medicine.
Positions will be created within the Department of Geriatric Medicine to further develop and update the curriculum and training necessary to establish a comprehensive foundation for dementia care.
This initiative is set to offer improved support and nurturing for kūpuna, while simultaneously strengthening the state’s healthcare workforce to address these growing health concerns more effectively. A total of $525,000 is allocated for both fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to fund these educational efforts.
Governor Green reiterated the value of caring for the aging community, stating, “Housing is healthcare, and by extending the sunset date of the kūpuna housing program, we can continue to provide dignity and access to healthy living.”
He underscored the growing need for specialized care in the state’s evolving healthcare landscape, particularly for those afflicted with Alzheimer’s.
Senator Stanley Chang highlighted the importance of investing in dementia education, stating, “Hawai‘i’s aging population is growing rapidly, and we must prepare our healthcare workforce to meet its unique needs.”
He elaborated on the significance of having a local, informed workforce capable of delivering compassionate and expert care to individuals dealing with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.
Representative Cory M. Chun added his voice, stating, “This program has been essential for our kūpuna, significantly helping them secure and maintain affordable housing.”
He stated that the extension of this program reflects a collective commitment to the well-being of Hawai‘i’s elderly population.
Audrey Suga-Nakagawa, Advocacy Associate Director for AARP Hawaii, commented on the legislation, stating, “Hawai‘i House Bill 703 and Senate Bill 1252 demonstrate the Legislature and the governor’s commitment to caring for kūpuna.”
She emphasized that the measures ensure continued access to essential rent assistance, helping older adults avoid homelessness while maintaining stable housing and strong support systems.
The newly signed laws reflect a comprehensive approach to enhancing safety and support for vulnerable members of the Hawaiʻi community, particularly its aging population.
As the challenges facing kūpuna and community safety continue to evolve, the measures enacted will aid in addressing these critical issues, ensuring a safer and more supportive environment for all residents.
image source from：mauinow
