Hawaii State Alzheimer’s Plan Overview
In 2011, the Hawaii Executive Office on Aging, in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association Aloha Chapter, formed a special Task Force to develop a State Plan on Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD). The task force included representatives from state agencies, care provider organizations, community organizations, faith communities, and research centers as well as advocates, long-term care providers, consumers, and elder law attorneys. In December 2013, the Office on Aging published Hawaii 2025: State Plan for Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias.
In 2018, Governor Ige signed into law House Bill 1916, which mandated the Executive Office on Aging update and biannually report to the state legislature and the governor on the progress of the implementation of the Hawaii State Plan on Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias.
Hawaii 2023 Policy Priorities
Increase Alzheimer’s Awareness in Hawaii
An early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s and other dementia can improve the quality of life, care, and reduce the financial burden of the disease. Unfortunately, many individuals living with dementia are not diagnosed and lose access to care planning. The Alzheimer’s Association is advocating for $1 million for the first-ever statewide public health campaign focused on the early signs of cognitive impairment, the importance of early detection and diagnosis, and communicating with health care professionals about changes in memory and cognition.
Update and Implement the Hawaii State Plan on Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias
State Alzheimer’s Plans are essential for ensuring state governments have the infrastructure and strategies to develop programs and services that serve people with dementia. Hawaii last updated their Alzheimer’s State Plan in 2013. Ten years later, significant changes have occurred in Alzheimer’s care and policy requiring an updated approach. The Alzheimer’s Association will partner with the Hawaii Dementia Services Coordinator to update the State Plan and will urge policymakers to require an annual report on the progress of State Plan implementation.
Empower Law Enforcement with Dementia Training
Law enforcement officers in Hawaii frequently interact with individuals who have dementia and kupuna in a variety of settings and are among the first to observe instances of abuse and neglect. Without proper training on how to recognize the signs of dementia and how to effectively communicate with people living with dementia, situations may escalate quickly with potentially dangerous consequences. The Alzheimer’s Association is calling on Hawaii policymakers to establish dementia training requirements for all law enforcement officers and personnel.
Increase Dementia Data Collection on Involuntary Discharge
Residents of assisted living communities can be discharged from their home without notice or cause, without the opportunity to appeal. Transfers or discharges can be very traumatizing to residents, especially those living with dementia, yet data on this issue is not readily available. The Alzheimer’s Association is advocating for increased data collection on involuntary discharge of people living with dementia to be made available and accessible in order to improve the quality of dementia care across the state
Sign Up to Learn About Advocacy Opportunities in Hawaii
Find My Chapter
Together, we’re making an impact. Find an Alzheimer’s Association chapter in your community for more ways to engage.
Contact Us
State Affairs Contact: Ron Shimabuku
Phone: 808.451.3410
Email: rkshimabuku@alz.org
29,000
people living with Alzheimer’s in Hawaii
52,000
Hawaii residents are providing unpaid care
$240 Million
Medicaid cost of caring for people living with Alzheimer’s (2020)
83 Million
increase in Alzheimer’s deaths since 2000
16%
in hospice with a primary diagnosis of dementia
1.6%
increase of geriatricians in Hawaii needed to meet the demand in 2050
Resources to Drive Change in Hawaii
The following resources developed by AIM and the Alzheimer’s Association will help you learn more about the issues impacting people living with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers, how Hawaii policymakers are addressing these gaps, and how you can help drive change.