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Gov. Josh Green signed several measures into law, one recognizing Hawai\u02bbi\u02bbs commitment to supporting k\u016bpuna and their caretakers, and another establishing protections for the use of AI. PC: (7.14.26) Office of the Governor<\/p>\n\nGov. Josh Green signed several measures into law, one recognizing Hawai\u02bbi\u02bbs commitment to supporting k\u016bpuna and their caretakers, and another establishing protections for the use of AI. PC: (7.14.26) Office of the Governor<\/p>\n
Gov. Josh Green signed three measures into law on Tuesday, focused on supporting k\u016bpuna and establishing safety protections for artificial intelligence. Key legislation includes Act 245, which creates the H\u0101nai Memory Network to provide $3 million for dementia care, and Act 247, which establishes consumer protections against harmful AI \u201cdeepfake\u201d technology. <\/p>\n
K\u016bpuna Support:<\/p>\n
Dementia and Alzheimer\u2019s disease can create significant costs for individuals and their caregivers, adding financial stress to the emotional toll of memory loss. Hawai\u2018i is committed to supporting our k\u016bpuna and the families and caregivers who stand beside them.\u201cSupport for our aging k\u016bpuna and their caregivers is very personal to me,\u201d said Green. \u201cThe needs are great and anything we can do through thoughtful, supportive and compassionate legislation that will help lighten the load has my heartfelt support.\u201d<\/p>\n
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Kupuna legislation \/ H\u0101nai Memory Network Program. PC: Office of the Governor. <\/p>\n
HB 1853: Relating to Dementia<\/a>, Act 245<\/p>\n With over 31,000 Hawai\u02bbi residents currently living with Alzheimer\u2019s, a figure expected to double by 2050, the need for a coordinated statewide approach is urgent. Dementia-related Medicaid costs are rising, now about $309 million annually, placing increasing pressure on household budgets. Some families face memory care costs as high as $15,000 per month.<\/p>\n House Bill (HB) 1853, Act 245, establishes the H\u0101nai Memory Network Program (Hawai\u02bbi\u2019s Assistance for the Navigation of Alzheimer\u2019s Intervention) within the Executive Office of Aging and appropriates $3 million to support its implementation. This landmark measure will build a statewide network of dementia care specialists and community support services, making it easier for people to access early screening, timely diagnosis and coordinated care. By placing dedicated dementia care experts in every county and establishing community-based memory clinics on the neighbor islands, the program aims to close critical care gaps, provide meaningful support for caregivers and strengthen stability for families across Hawai\u02bbi.<\/p>\n \u201cFor too long, those with Alzheimer\u2019s and dementia have received fragmented, reactive and crisis\u2011driven care, or none at all,\u201d said Sen. Sharon Moriwaki, co-convener of the Legislative K\u016bpuna Caucus. \u201cThis bill is a major step toward providing early detection, coordinated care, access to treatment and stronger support for caregivers. It\u2019s a significant commitment to our k\u016bpuna, their caregivers and our collective future. By investing now, we can build a network that cares for and supports our k\u016bpuna and families facing what has been a hidden and dreaded disease.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cToday, more than 31,000 Hawai\u02bbi residents are living with Alzheimer\u2019s disease, and that number is projected to exceed 62,000 by 2050,\u201d said Rep. Cory M. Chun, co-convener of the Legislative K\u016bpuna Caucus. \u201cThe H\u0101nai Memory Network Program will improve access to early detection, timely diagnosis, coordinated care planning and long-term support for individuals living with dementia and their caregivers. Through this program, we hope to build a stronger support system that improves quality of life and helps families navigate the challenges of this disease.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cWe all have been touched by dementia, whether in our own families or in our communities,\u201d said Dr. Gina Fujikami, division chief of Geriatrics at The Queen\u2019s Health Systems and board member of the Alzheimer\u2019s Association of Hawai\u02bbi. \u201cHB 1853, or the H\u0101nai Memory Network, provides access to earlier dementia diagnosis, coordination of care and treatment options statewide. Through the creation of this interconnected system, we will be able to better stabilize the disease, maintain and extend independence \u2014 and help people plan for the future.\u201d<\/p>\n Artificial Intelligence:<\/p>\n As AI technology becomes increasingly advanced, it is imperative that the state of Hawai\u02bbi develop safeguards to ensure people are protected and provided tools to use the software with caution.<\/p>\n \u201cAI presents fascinating opportunities for technological breakthroughs and has become a daily tool for many here in Hawai\u02bbi,\u201d Green said. \u201cBy being intentional with our approach and recognizing potential dangers, we will be better suited to use AI to our advantage. These pieces of legislation build upon significant findings that will allow us to protect the people of Hawai\u02bbi during times of rapid development.\u201d<\/p>\n HB 2137: Relating to artificial intelligence<\/a>, Act 247<\/p>\n A function of AI, referred to as \u201cdeepfake\u201d technology, enables the realistic digital imitation of an individual\u2019s voice, face, likeness and performance. Deepfake technology has been linked to identity theft, fraud, election interference, cyberbullying and non-consensual pornography, causing irreparable damage and lasting harm. These fabricated images are increasingly realistic, making it difficult or even infeasible to distinguish between authentic media and generated content.<\/p>\n HB 2137, Act 247 establishes consumer protection standards for deepfake technology and other similar AI functions, defining harmful use and providing civil remedies for individuals injured by unauthorized AI-generated realistic digital imitations. Expanding upon federal statutes that outlaw certain deepfake scenarios, the measure clarifies malicious deepfake use and enables victims of deepfake content to bring civil action for injunctive relief, punitive damages and monetary damages up to $25,000 per piece of content.\u00a0<\/p>\n SB 3001: Relating to artificial intelligence<\/a>, Act 248<\/p>\n Conversational AI systems are increasingly accessible to consumers, particularly children and minors. Often referred to as generative AI, these systems are capable of outputting text, images, audio, video and interactive dialogue and are now embedded into nearly every corner of the internet. Reliance on generative AI for emotional and psychological support is dangerous, especially when in the hands of keiki.<\/p>\n SB 3001, Act 248, requires operators of AI companions to issue certain disclosures, develop comprehensive response protocols for user prompts regarding suicidal ideation or self-harm, as well as make annual reports to the Behavioral Health Administration of the Department of Health. Citing a previous case brought against Meta, this measure establishes guidelines to prevent addictive software patterns targeted at minors and misrepresentations that a chatbot is of human likeness.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cOur keiki and young people carrying trauma, including those with histories of abuse, neglect or instability, are probably among those most likely to seek connection from AI companions, but may be the least equipped to recognize when technology-mediated interactions are unhealthy,\u201d said Tia L. Roberts Hartsock, director of the Office of Wellness and Resilience. \u201cThe bill takes an evidence-based, trauma-informed approach to emerging technology, by preventing harm before it occurs.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cEvery person\u2019s control over their voice is sacrosanct,\u201d said Sen. Jarrett Keohok\u0101lole, co-introducer of the bill and chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection. \u201cHB 2137 makes sure individuals in Hawai\u02bbi do not fall victim to technology that could take control and put it in the hands of bad actors. AI is not coming, it is here. HB 3001 sets guardrails on AI platforms to protect children from harm while we all learn to adjust to life with AI.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOur keiki are growing up in a world where artificial intelligence is becoming part of everyday life, and it is our kuleana to put the right protections in place,\u201d said Rep. Trish La Chica, vice chair of the House Committee on Education. \u201cBuilding on the groundwork we laid two years ago, these measures establish important safeguards by requiring AI companions to identify themselves as non-human, strengthening protections for minors, connecting young people in crisis with trained professionals and protecting individuals from the unauthorized use of AI-generated digital imitations. Together, these laws reflect our commitment to ensuring artificial intelligence is used responsibly and never comes at the expense of a person\u2019s identity, privacy or safety.\u201d<\/p>\n The complete list of bills signed includes the following. Click the links to see full details of the bills enacted into law.<\/p>\n HB 1973<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 Relating to health \u2013 Act 246<\/p>\n HB 1804<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 Relating to long-term care financing \u2013 Act 249<\/p>\n SB 2866<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 Relating to k\u016bpuna housing \u2013 Act 250<\/p>\n SB 2259<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 Relating to development \u2013 Act 251<\/p>\n HB 1753<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 Relating to social media \u2013 Act 252<\/p>\n SB 888<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 Relating to consumer protection \u2013 Act 253<\/p>\n SB 2031<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 Relating to consumer protection \u2013 Act 254<\/p>\n SB 2043<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 Relating to insurance \u2013 Act 255<\/p>\n SB 2964<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 Relating to property insurance \u2013 Act 256<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ai\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Screenshot-2026-07-15-at-6.32.59-AM-1024x574.png\")
Safeguards for AI-generated digital imitations. PC: Office of the Governor<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ai\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Screenshot-2026-07-15-at-6.31.45-AM-1024x577.png\")
Artificial Intelligence Safety and Disclosure Act. PC: Office of the Governor.<\/p>\n