Hawaii runs a one-year pilot for in-home care support

The health department runs a one-year pilot providing in-home health care and support services. The pilot serves people who do not qualify for other government help for in-home care or support services. A person is ineligible if they receive government help for these services or do not meet the department’s income and care-need rules. The department must make a care plan for each eligible applicant. It may refer applicants to providers and contract with providers. The program took effect July 1, 2026, and ends June 30, 2027.

The state sets aside up to $2 million for the pilot. The money is for the KupunAloha pilot program. The amount is $2 million or the part of that sum needed for the program. The health department spends the money to carry out the program. The funding is for fiscal year 2026–2027.

The health department reports on the pilot’s results and whether it should continue. The report covers the KupunAloha pilot program. The report must include recommendations for improving the program’s efficiency and whether to make it permanent. The report is due no later than 20 days before the 2027 regular legislative session begins.