HB 1537: DOH; Adolescent Mental Health Services; Community-Based Organizations; Prevention; Early Intervention; Report; Appropriation

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO MENTAL HEALTH.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that mental health issues among adolescents in Hawaii are on the rise, with many facing a combination of mental health challenges, substance use disorders, and the effects of recent traumatic events.  Adolescence, a specific biological stage between ages ten and nineteen, is a period marked by rapid brain development and identity formation and therefore, a critical time for intervention.  Research shows that half of all mental health conditions begin by age fourteen, but many remain undiagnosed and untreated.  Early awareness and intervention can prevent mental health conditions from escalating, preventing lifelong impacts on individuals and their families.  The effectiveness of substance abuse prevention programs in Hawaii has demonstrated the potential of statewide initiatives to address complex social issues.  By establishing a similar framework for mental health prevention amongst adolescents, the State can address the rising needs of its adolescents and promote healthier futures.

     The legislature further finds that Hawaii's adolescents have experienced significant trauma in recent years, including the effects of COVID-19, the Maui wildfires, and rising family instability caused by housing shortages and loss of essential services.  These crises have led to increases in depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, and behavioral issues among adolescents.  Continuous stress, compounded by family and cultural trauma, contributes to toxic stress, which increases the risk of mental health disorders and substance abuse.  Adolescents are particularly vulnerable during this time of transition, and without intervention, many turn to substances such as cannabis, alcohol, and tobacco as coping mechanisms.  These behaviors not only exacerbate mental health issues but also interfere with the normal development of the adolescent brain, leading to lasting emotional and cognitive challenges.

     The legislature finds that there is a substantial gap in mental health services for adolescents in Hawaii.  As of 2024, approximately 34.8 per cent of high school students in Hawaii report signs of depression, and 26.3 per cent of middle school students have considered suicide.  Despite these alarming statistics, a significant number of youth do not receive the mental health support they need.  Recent reports show that approximately seventeen thousand adolescents experience a major depressive episode annually, and many youth engage in substance use as a means of self-medication for their mental health conditions.  Preventive mental health services, including early screening, education, and intervention, are critical in addressing these issues before they escalate into more severe conditions.  Comprehensive mental health prevention programs can help to reduce the incidence of substance abuse and promote healthy coping strategies that prevent long-term emotional distress.  By integrating mental health prevention with existing substance abuse programs, Hawaii can build a more holistic approach to adolescent well-being.  Such programs will not only reduce the long-term social and economic burden of untreated mental illness but will also foster resilience, emotional intelligence, and positive life skills in Hawaii's adolescents, creating healthier, more resilient communities for future generations.

     The purpose of this Act is to promote a comprehensive, statewide mental health prevention initiative focused on early intervention, education, and support for adolescents by appropriating funds for the department of health to contract with community-based organizations to provide preventive and early intervention mental health services to adolescents within the community.

     SECTION 2.  (a)  The department of health may contract with community-based organizations to provide preventive and early intervention mental health services to adolescents within the community, including services within schools, to help adolescents develop healthy coping mechanisms, prevent substance abuse, and address mental health concerns early on.

     (b)  The department of health shall submit a report to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2028.  The report shall include but not be limited to:

     (1)  The manner in which funds appropriated pursuant to this Act have been expended;

     (2)  The service providers that have received funding pursuant to this Act;

     (3)  The number of persons served and a description of the services provided;

     (4)  Any measurable outcomes; and

     (5)  Any proposed legislation.

     SECTION 3.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the department of health to contract with community-based organizations to provide preventive and early intervention mental health services to adolescents within the community.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of health for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.

Report Title:

DOH; Adolescent Mental Health Services; Community-Based Organizations; Prevention; Early Intervention; Report; Appropriation

Description:

Appropriates funds to the Department of Health to contract with community-based organizations to provide preventive and early intervention mental health services to adolescents within the community.  Requires a report to the Legislature.  Effective 7/1/3000.  (HD1)

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to mental health.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that mental health issues among adolescents in Hawaii are on the rise, with many facing a combination of mental health challenges, substance use disorders, and the effects of recent traumatic events.  Adolescence, a specific biological stage between ages ten and nineteen, is a period marked by rapid brain development and identity formation and therefore, a critical time for intervention.  Research shows that half of all mental health conditions begin by age fourteen, but many remain undiagnosed and untreated.  Early awareness and intervention can prevent mental health conditions from escalating, preventing lifelong impacts on individuals and their families.  The effectiveness of substance abuse prevention programs in Hawaii has demonstrated the potential of statewide initiatives to address complex social issues.  By establishing a similar framework for mental health prevention amongst adolescents, the State can address the rising needs of its adolescents and promote healthier futures.

     The legislature further finds that Hawaii's adolescents have experienced significant trauma in recent years, including the effects of COVID-19, the Maui wildfires, and rising family instability caused by housing shortages and loss of essential services.  These crises have led to increases in depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, and behavioral issues among adolescents.  Continuous stress, compounded by family and cultural trauma, contributes to toxic stress, which increases the risk of mental health disorders and substance abuse.  Adolescents are particularly vulnerable during this time of transition, and without intervention, many turn to substances such as cannabis, alcohol, and tobacco as coping mechanisms.  These behaviors not only exacerbate mental health issues but also interfere with the normal development of the adolescent brain, leading to lasting emotional and cognitive challenges.

     The legislature finds that there is a substantial gap in mental health services for adolescents in Hawaii.  As of 2024, approximately 34.8 per cent of high school students in Hawaii report signs of depression, and 26.3 per cent of middle school students have considered suicide.  Despite these alarming statistics, a significant number of youth do not receive the mental health support they need.  Recent reports show that approximately seventeen thousand adolescents experience a major depressive episode annually, and many youth engage in substance use as a means of self-medication for their mental health conditions.  Preventive mental health services, including early screening, education, and intervention, are critical in addressing these issues before they escalate into more severe conditions.  Comprehensive mental health prevention programs can help to reduce the incidence of substance abuse and promote healthy coping strategies that prevent long-term emotional distress.  By integrating mental health prevention with existing substance abuse programs, Hawaii can build a more holistic approach to adolescent well-being.  Such programs will not only reduce the long-term social and economic burden of untreated mental illness but will also foster resilience, emotional intelligence, and positive life skills in Hawaii's adolescents, creating healthier, more resilient communities for future generations.

     The purpose of this Act is to promote a comprehensive, statewide mental health prevention initiative focused on early intervention, education, and support for adolescents by appropriating funds for the department of health to contract with community-based organizations to provide preventive and early intervention mental health services to adolescents within the community.

     SECTION 2.  (a)  The department of health may contract with community-based organizations to provide preventive and early intervention mental health services to adolescents within the community, including services within schools, to help adolescents develop healthy coping mechanisms, prevent substance abuse, and address mental health concerns early on.

     (b)  The department of health shall submit a report to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2027.  The report shall include but not be limited to:

     (1)  The manner in which funds appropriated pursuant to this Act have been expended;

     (2)  The service providers that have received funding pursuant to this Act;

     (3)  The number of persons served and a description of the services provided;

     (4)  Any measurable outcomes; and

     (5)  Any proposed legislation.

     SECTION 3.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $3,000,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the department of health to contract with community-based organizations to provide preventive and early intervention mental health services to adolescents within the community.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of health for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2026.

Report Title:

DOH; Adolescent Mental Health Services; Community-Based Organizations; Prevention; Early Intervention; Report; Appropriation

Description:

Appropriates funds to the Department of Health to contract with community-based organizations to provide preventive and early intervention mental health services to adolescents within the community.  Requires a report to the Legislature.

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

STAND. COM. REP. NO.  854-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2026

RE:   H.B. No. 1537

      H.D. 1

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Madame:

     Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred H.B. No. 1537, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO MENTAL HEALTH,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to:

     (1)  Appropriate funds for the Department of Health to contract with community-based organizations to provide preventive and early intervention mental health services to adolescents within the community; and

     (2)  Require the Department of Health to report to the Legislature.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Health; State Council on Mental Health; Hawaiʻi State Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer Plus Commission; Hawaii Substance Abuse Coalition; Coalition for a Drug-Free Hawaii; Catholic Charities Hawaiʻi; Hina Mauka; and seven individuals.

     Your Committee requests consideration that the mental health services to be provided through this measure are delivered with attention to equity and inclusivity in the communities served.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Finance that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1537, H.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Finance,

STAND. COM. REP. NO.  306-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2026

RE:   H.B. No. 1537

      H.D. 1

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Madame:

     Your Committees on Health and Human Services & Homelessness, to which was referred H.B. No. 1537 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO MENTAL HEALTH,"

beg leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to appropriate funds for the Department of Health to contract with community-based organizations to provide preventive and early intervention mental health services to adolescents within the community.

     Your Committees received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Health; Office of the Public Defender; Hawaiʻi State Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer Plus Commission; Hawaii Substance Abuse Coalition; Hina Mauka; Catholic Charities Hawaiʻi; Hawaiʻi Health & Harm Reduction Center; and three individuals.

     Your Committees find that mental health needs among Hawaii's adolescents are on the rise, with many facing a combination of mental health challenges, substance use disorders, and the effects of traumatic events like the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2023 Maui wildfires, and rising family instability resulting from housing insecurity and loss of essential social services.  Your Committees further find that community-based organizations play an important role in providing preventive and early intervention mental health services for adolescents that help them develop healthy coping skills and behaviors and address emerging mental health concerns.  Your Committees believe that developing a strong framework for mental health services that is similar to the one developed to treat and prevent youth substance abuse will enable the State to equip Hawaii's youth with the tools they need to take care of their mental health and well-being.

     Your Committees have amended this measure by:

     (1)  Requiring the Department of Health to submit a report to the Legislature prior to the Regular Session of 2028, rather than the Regular Session of 2027;

     (2)  Changing the appropriation to an unspecified amount; and

     (3)  Changing the effective date to July 1, 3000, to encourage further discussion.

     Your Committees respectfully request your Committee on Finance, should it deliberate on this measure, to consider an appropriation amount of $3,000,000.

     As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Health and Human Services & Homelessness that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1537, as amended herein, and recommend that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 1537, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Finance.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committees on Health and Human Services & Homelessness,