Bill > SR200

This concurrent resolution requests the Governor to enhance the State Council on Mental Health's understanding and incorporation of Native Hawaiian health and wellness concepts, in response to significant mental health disparities affecting Native Hawaiians. Specifically, the resolution urges the Governor to ensure that at least two Council members have demonstrated knowledge or experience with Native Hawaiian well-being concepts, traditional healing practices, or culturally grounded mental health methodologies. Additionally, the resolution calls for the Council to receive annual training from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, which will cover topics such as cultural awareness, Native Hawaiian healing practices, and the impact of ethnic identity loss. The underlying motivation for this request stems from concerning statistics showing that Native Hawaiians experience high youth suicide rates, tend to underutilize mental health services, and are more likely to leave treatment programs early. Studies have indicated that culturally-based mental health programs are four times more effective in addressing Native Hawaiians' specific mental health needs, making this targeted approach crucial for improving mental health outcomes for this community.

Health and Social Services

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SR&billnumber=200&year=2025