HONOLULU – The Hawaiʻi State Legislature’s Kūpuna Caucus convened by Senator Sharon Moriwaki and Representative Cory M. Chun shared their 2025 legislative package today, a set of bills focused on enhancing the quality of life for seniors across the state. These proposed measures include expanding access to healthcare, addressing the need for more food security, and improving affordable housing options.
The Kūpuna Caucus’ package consists of five bills:
· SB877/HB702 RELATING TO HUMAN SERVICESAppropriates funds to increase the funding for Medicaid in-home services, conditioned on the Department of Human Services obtaining the maximum federal matching funds.
· SB878/HB703 RELATING TO KUPUNA HOUSINGExtends the sunset date for the State Rent Supplement Program for Kūpuna to 6/30/2028.
· SB879/HB701 RELATING TO TAXATIONEstablishes a refundable Family Caregiver Tax Credit for nonpaid family caregivers. Requires the Department of Taxation to report to the Legislature before the convening of each Regular Session.
· SB880/HB705 RELATING TO THE EXECUTIVE OFFICE ON AGINGEstablishes a temporary Medi-Medi Project within the Hawaiʻi State Health Insurance Assistance Program administered by the Executive Office on Aging to assist older adults, Medicare beneficiaries, individuals with disabilities, and other underserved populations who may qualify for various low-income subsidy programs to gain access to their benefits. Requires the Executive Office on Aging to submit reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds.
· SB881/HB704 RELATING TO FOOD SECURITY.Establishes the Hawaiʻi Food Security Special Fund to restore Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefit levels to those provided in federal fiscal year 2023. Requires reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds.
“We are committed to having our seniors receive the support they need to live with dignity and independence, especially during this period of time in their lives,” said Senator Sharon Moriwaki. “This legislative package is a crucial step towards building a more inclusive and equitable future for all generations.”
“Honoring our treasured kūpuna in our communities means ensuring they have the care, respect and support they deserve,” said Representative Cory M. Chun. “During this legislative session, we are focusing on ways to enhance their quality of life and address critical issues like healthcare, housing, and food security.”
The caucus aims to demonstrate that this session’s bill package reflects a growing recognition of the vital contributions that Hawaiʻi’s kupuna make to society and the need for policies that prioritize their well-being.
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