Bill > HB1081

This bill transfers the Office of Wellness and Resilience from the Governor's Office to the Department of Human Resources Development (DHRD) for administrative purposes, establishing a new Wellness and Resilience Advisory Board within DHRD. The board will consist of eleven members from various state departments, including health, education, human services, and corrections, as well as representatives from the judiciary, University of Hawaii, Kamehameha Schools, law enforcement, nonprofit sectors, and the Compact of Free Association islander community. The board's primary responsibilities include creating a statewide framework for trauma-informed care, identifying best practices for supporting children and youth who have experienced trauma, conducting an inventory of public and private agencies, identifying cultural practices that build wellness and resilience, convening trauma-informed care practitioners, seeking federal funding opportunities, and coordinating data collection. The bill also updates the Office of Wellness and Resilience's functions, such as addressing interdepartmental issues, seeking funding solutions, establishing a cross-agency procurement team, interacting with community stakeholders, creating a social determinants of health dashboard, and providing training and technical assistance to state departments on trauma-informed policies and practices. The legislation ensures that transferred employees will maintain their current benefits and positions during the transition.

Budget and Finance, Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1081&year=2026