Bill > HB112

This bill aims to establish a free statewide mental health warm line in Hawaii to provide non-emergency psychological support. The warm line, which will be different from a crisis hotline, will offer confidential telephone support for individuals experiencing psychological distress who are not in immediate danger. Specifically, the bill appropriates $250,000 for each of the fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 to the Department of Health to cover equipment, training, and operational expenses. The warm line will be staffed by volunteers or peers with personal mental health experiences and will provide a supportive listening service for people who need someone to talk to but do not require emergency intervention. The legislature notes that this initiative addresses a gap in the current mental health support system and was inspired by a similar warm line established to assist the Maui community after the 2023 wildfires. The warm line will be available statewide at no cost to users and is set to be implemented starting July 1, 2025.

Health and Social Services

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=112&year=2026