Bill > SB623

This bill aims to enhance the State Council on Mental Health by requiring specific native Hawaiian cultural representation and training. The legislation mandates that at least some council members must have demonstrated knowledge or work experience involving native Hawaiian health practices, which can be proven through academic credentials, work history, advocacy work, or community experience as a traditional practitioner. Members must have expertise in areas like indigenous health, transgenerational trauma, or traditional healing practices such as ho'oponopono, la'au lapa'au, or lomilomi. Additionally, all council members will be required to receive annual training on native Hawaiian healing and health, including cultural awareness and issues related to loss of ethnic identity. The bill is motivated by significant mental health disparities among native Hawaiians, including high youth suicide rates, increased substance abuse, and lower utilization of mental health services. By ensuring culturally informed representation and ongoing education, the legislature hopes to develop more responsive mental health policies that better serve native Hawaiian communities and address systemic gaps in mental health service delivery.

Health and Social Services

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=623&year=2026