Governor Green Signs Bill Making Hawaiʻi a National Leader in Disability Rights with Supported Decision-Making Agreements

by Thunda
2 minutes read

Honolulu, Hawaiʻi – Governor Josh Green, M.D., signed House Bill 320 (Act 284) into law on July 3, 2025, establishing Supported Decision-Making Agreements (SDM) in Hawaiʻi statute for the first time. This landmark legislation aims to affirm the civil rights of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) to make their own decisions with support, offering an alternative to more restrictive guardianship models.

House Bill 320 reflects a growing national trend that empowers individuals with disabilities to lead self-directed lives. Under this new law, adults with disabilities can choose trusted supporters—such as family members, friends, or professionals—to assist them in understanding, considering, and communicating their decisions, while retaining the legal right to make those decisions themselves.

Daintry Bartoldus, Executive Administrator, and Sierra Whiteside, Chairperson, both of the Hawaiʻi State Council on Developmental Disabilities, underscored the significance of the new law. “This law is about dignity, self-determination, and human rights,” Bartoldus stated. Whiteside added, “It ensures that people with disabilities are not treated as incapable, but rather recognized for their abilities, strengths and right to make informed decisions about their own lives.”

The legislation was championed by a broad coalition of self-advocates, families, legal experts, disability rights organizations, and legislators. Introduced as part of the Council’s 2025 legislative package, HB 320 received strong bipartisan support in both the House and Senate.

Che Silvert, Community and Legislative Liaison for the Council, highlighted the practical benefits: “Supported Decision-Making is a less restrictive alternative to guardianship that keeps people in control of their own choices—whether about health care, housing, education, or finances. It aligns with best practices in disability rights and fulfills our obligations under the Americans with Disabilities Act.”

The passage of HB 320 places Hawaiʻi among more than a dozen other states that have enacted similar SDM agreements. The Council emphasized that this law sends a powerful message that individuals with disabilities have the right to participate fully in their communities and make decisions that reflect their own goals and values.

The Hawaiʻi State Council on Developmental Disabilities extended its gratitude to Representative Cory Chun for introducing the legislation and Senator Joy San Buenaventura for her steadfast support. They also thanked Governor Josh Green, the entire Hawaiʻi State Legislature, and especially the self-advocates and families who shared their lived experiences to help make this law a reality. Appreciation was also extended to sister agencies, the Hawaiʻi Disability Rights Center and the Center on Disability Studies at the University of Hawaiʻi, for their partnership.

To view the full text of Act 284, visit: https://www.www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=320&year=2025.

The Hawaiʻi State Council on Developmental Disabilities is a federally mandated body that works to ensure individuals with developmental disabilities and their families have access to needed community services and supports.

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