HONOLULU — The state House of Representatives voted unanimously Monday to increase the monthly needs allowance for individuals in long-term care facilities for the first time since 2007.

What You Need To Know

  • Under House Bill 1974, House Draft 1, Senate Draft 1, the monthly allowance will increase to $75 from $50 for those living in adult residential care homes, domiciliary homes, adult foster homes and other long-term care facilities

  • The measure was a key piece of the Kupuna Caucus' 2024 legislative package

  • The allowance is not intended to replace or affect funds received from the federal Supplemental Security Income program

  • The measure now moves to Gov. Josh Green for final approval. If approved, the act will take effect on Oct. 1

Under House Bill 1974, House Draft 1, Senate Draft 1, the monthly allowance will increase to $75 from $50 for those living in adult residential care homes, domiciliary homes, adult foster homes and other long-term care facilities. The funds may be used by residents for clothing, toiletries, meals and other day-to-day living expenses.The measure was a key piece of the Kupuna Caucus’ 2024 legislative package.

“We are aging faster than other states and other communities and this is going to be an increasing sector of our economy,” said Rep. Sonny Ganadan at Monday’s floor session. “More attention to them in this session and in future sessions is essential.”

Rep. Liza Marten also thanked members of the Filipino Caucus for their advocacy of a community resource “that is provided largely by our Filipino population that takes such good care of our kupuna in the community at a cost that’s much lower than institutionalizing our kupuna.”

“And for this amazing service that they provide us, they have not had any increase in their reimbursement from the state for 16 years, despite the cost increases,” Marten said. “So while it’s sad that it took so long, I’m glad that this year, between this and some other measures, we are finally giving them their due.”

As the bill states, the allowance is not intended to replace or affect funds received from the federal Supplemental Security Income program. It further states that operators of the specified facilities will pay for generic toiletries, linens and meals and snacks for outings “provided that operators shall not use the needs allowance without the consent of the individual receiving the needs allowance.”

The measure now moves to Gov. Josh Green for final approval. If approved, it will take effect on Oct. 1.

Also on Monday, the House passed HB 2216, HD2, SD2, which would increase the state supplemental payment ceilings for Type 1 adult residential care homes, licensed developmental disabilities domiciliary homes, community care foster family homes and certified adult foster homes to $784 from $651. The bill would also raise the ceiling for Type II adult residential care homes to $892 from $759.

Michael Tsai covers local and state politics for Spectrum News Hawaii. He can be reached at michael.tsai@charter.com.