HB 1562: Keiki Caucus; DOH; Child and Adolescent Mental Health Division; Digital Youth Mental Health Platform Pilot Project; Report; Appropriation

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH.

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

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that, according to a ten‑year study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly all indicators of children and adolescent mental health worsened between 2013 and 2023.  Disasters like the COVID-19 pandemic and the Maui wildfires in August 2023 have increased rates of depression and anxiety in the State's youth.

     The legislature further finds that prevention activities related to the promotion of mental health, such as early intervention, mental health education, and coping strategies, are critical to preventing the escalation of mental health disorders in the State's communities, potentially reducing the need for more intensive services in the future.

     Digital platforms that can be accessed with mobile devices can provide a powerful public health service, especially for youth, by:

     (1)  Expanding the reach of mental health education and prevention by making it more convenient and inclusive, especially for children and adolescents in remote or underserved areas where in-person programs may be limited;

     (2)  Reducing stigma by making it easier for youth to explore resources without fear of judgment;

     (3)  Enhancing engagement and interactivity by allowing youth to guide their own learning;

     (4)  Tailoring content to the needs of the user;

     (5)  Providing a cost-effective way to reach a large audience;

     (6)  Addressing lower-level needs so the behavioral health workforce, which is scarce, can focus on youth with the highest level of need;

     (7)  Providing information that is continually updated to reflect the latest research and resources; and

     (8)  Collecting critical data about community mental health needs.

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to establish and appropriate funds for a one-year digital youth mental health platform pilot project that will enable the child and adolescent mental health division of the department of health to develop and make publicly available a digital platform designed to help young people address and manage mental health challenges.

     SECTION 2.  (a)  The child and adolescent mental health division of the department of health shall implement and administer a digital youth mental health platform pilot project.  The pilot project shall commence on July 1, 2026, and end on June 30, 2027.

     (b)  Under the pilot project, the child and adolescent mental health division shall contract for the following services:

     (1)  Development, management, and hosting services for the digital youth mental health platform.  The child and adolescent mental health division shall oversee the development of a platform that is evidence-based, peer-reviewed, confidential, and responsive.  The platform shall provide:

          (A)  County specific resources;

          (B)  Mental health education;

          (C)  Self-care strategies;

          (D)  Healthy coping strategies; and

          (E)  Data regarding mental health needs in the State; and

     (2)  Communication and marketing services.  The child and adolescent mental health division shall manage the communications and marketing services, which include:

          (A)  Development of a communications and marketing plan;

          (B)  Creation of ad campaign materials inclusive of print, radio, digital, and television ads and the respective media buys;

          (C)  Planning and management of community and outreach events; and

          (D)  Social media campaign and management.

     (c)  Procurement for development, management, and hosting services and communication and marketing services for the purposes of this Act shall be exempt from chapters 103D and 103F, Hawaii Revised Statutes, only for the duration of the pilot program, not to exceed June 30, 2027.

     (d)  The child and adolescent mental health division shall submit a report of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, regarding the digital youth mental health platform pilot project to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2027.

     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 implementation and administration of the digital youth mental health platform pilot project.

     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:

Keiki Caucus; DOH; Child and Adolescent Mental Health Division; Digital Youth Mental Health Platform Pilot Project; Report; Appropriation

Description:

Establishes and appropriates funds for a one-year Digital Youth Mental Health Platform Pilot Project that will enable the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Division of the Department of Health to develop and make publicly available a digital platform designed to help young people address and manage mental health challenges.  Requires a report to the Legislature.  Effective 7/1/3000.  (SD1)

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 YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH.

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

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that, according to a ten‑year study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly all indicators of children and adolescent mental health worsened between 2013 and 2023.  Disasters like the coronavirus 2019 pandemic and the Maui wildfires in August 2023 have increased rates of depression and anxiety in the State's youth.

     The legislature further finds that prevention activities related to the promotion of mental health, such as early intervention, mental health education, and coping strategies, are critical to preventing the escalation of mental health disorders in the State's communities, potentially reducing the need for more intensive services in the future.

     Digital platforms that can be accessed with mobile devices can provide a powerful public health service, especially for youth, by:

     (1)  Expanding the reach of mental health education and prevention by making it more convenient and inclusive, especially for children and adolescents in remote or underserved areas where in-person programs may be limited;

     (2)  Reducing stigma by making it easier for youth to explore resources without fear of judgment;

     (3)  Enhancing engagement and interactivity by allowing youth to guide their own learning;

     (4)  Tailoring content to the needs of the user;

     (5)  Providing a cost-effective way to reach a large audience;

     (6)  Addressing lower-level needs so the behavioral health workforce, which is scarce, can focus on youth with the highest level of need;

     (7)  Providing information that is continuously updated to reflect the latest research and resources; and

     (8)  Collecting critical data about community mental health needs.

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to establish and appropriate funds for a one-year digital youth mental health platform pilot project that will enable the child and adolescent mental health division of the department of health to develop and make publicly available a digital platform designed to help young people address and manage mental health challenges.

     SECTION 2.  (a)  The child and adolescent mental health division of the department of health shall implement and administer a digital youth mental health platform pilot project.  The pilot project shall commence on July 1, 2026, and end on June 30, 2027.

     (b)  Under the pilot project, the child and adolescent mental health division shall contract for the following services:

     (1)  Development, management, and hosting services for the digital youth mental health platform.  The child and adolescent mental health division shall oversee the development of a platform that is evidence-based, peer-reviewed, confidential, and responsive.  The platform shall provide:

          (A)  County specific resources;

          (B)  Mental health education;

          (C)  Self-care strategies;

          (D)  Healthy coping strategies; and

          (E)  Data regarding mental health needs in the State; and

     (2)  Communication and marketing services.  The child and adolescent mental health division shall manage the communications and marketing services, which include:

          (A)  Development of a communications and marketing plan;

          (B)  Creation of ad campaign materials inclusive of print, radio, digital, and television ads and the respective media buys;

          (C)  Planning and management of community and outreach events; and

          (D)  Social media campaign and management.

     (c)  Procurement for development, management, and hosting services and communication and marketing services for the purposes of this Act shall be exempt from chapters 103D and 103F, Hawaii Revised Statutes.

     (d)  The child and adolescent mental health division shall submit a report of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, regarding the digital youth mental health platform pilot project to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2027.

     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 implementation and administration of the digital youth mental health platform pilot project.

     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:

Keiki Caucus; DOH; Child and Adolescent Mental Health Division; Digital Youth Mental Health Platform Pilot Project; Report; Appropriation

Description:

Establishes and appropriates funds for a one-year Digital Youth Mental Health Platform Pilot Project that will enable the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Division of the Department of Health to develop and make publicly available a digital platform designed to help young people address and manage mental health challenges.  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 youth mental health.

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

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that, according to a ten‑year study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly all indicators of children and adolescent mental health worsened between 2013 and 2023.  Disasters like the coronavirus 2019 pandemic and the Maui wildfires in August 2023 have increased rates of depression and anxiety in the State's youth.

     The legislature further finds that prevention activities related to the promotion of mental health, such as early intervention, mental health education, and coping strategies, are critical to preventing the escalation of mental health disorders in the State's communities, potentially reducing the need for more intensive services in the future.

     Digital platforms that can be accessed with mobile devices can provide a powerful public health service, especially for youth, by:

     (1)  Expanding the reach of mental health education and prevention by making it more convenient and inclusive, especially for children and adolescents in remote or underserved areas where in-person programs may be limited;

     (2)  Reducing stigma by making it easier for youth to explore resources without fear of judgment;

     (3)  Enhancing engagement and interactivity by allowing youth to guide their own learning;

     (4)  Tailoring content to the needs of the user;

     (5)  Providing a cost-effective way to reach a large audience;

     (6)  Addressing lower-level needs so the behavioral health workforce, which is scarce, can focus on youth with the highest level of need;

     (7)  Providing information that is continuously updated to reflect the latest research and resources; and

     (8)  Collecting critical data about community mental health needs.

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to establish and appropriate funds for a digital youth mental health platform pilot project that will enable the child and adolescent mental health division of the department of health to develop and make publicly available a digital platform designed to help young people address and manage mental health challenges.

     SECTION 2.  (a)  The child and adolescent mental health division of the department of health shall implement and administer a digital youth mental health platform pilot project.  The pilot project shall commence on July 1, 2026, and end on June 30, 2027.

     (b)  Under the pilot project, the child and adolescent mental health division shall contract for the following services:

     (1)  Development, management, and hosting services for the digital youth mental health platform.  The child and adolescent mental health division shall oversee the development of the platform that is evidence-based, peer-reviewed, confidential, and responsive.  The platform shall provide:

          (A)  County specific resources;

          (B)  Mental health education;

          (C)  Self-care strategies;

          (D)  Healthy coping strategies; and

          (E)  Data regarding mental health needs in the State; and

     (2)  Communication and marketing services.  The child and adolescent mental health division shall manage the communications and marketing services, which include:

          (A)  Development of a communications and marketing plan;

          (B)  Creation of ad campaign materials inclusive of print, radio, digital, and television ads and the respective media buys;

          (C)  Planning and management of community and outreach events; and

          (D)  Social media campaign and management.

     (c)  Procurement for development, management, and hosting services and communication and marketing services for the purposes of this Act shall be exempt from chapters 103D and 103F, Hawaii Revised Statutes.

     (d)  The child and adolescent mental health division shall submit a report of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, regarding the digital youth mental health platform pilot project to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2027.

     SECTION 3.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $300,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the implementation and administration of the digital youth mental health platform pilot project.

     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:

Keiki Caucus; DOH; Child and Adolescent Mental Health Division; Digital Youth Mental Health Platform Pilot Project; Report; Appropriation

Description:

Establishes and appropriates funds for a one-year Digital Youth Mental Health Platform Pilot Project that will enable the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Division of the Department of Health to develop and make publicly available a digital platform designed to help young people address and manage mental health challenges.  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.  847-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2026

RE:   H.B. No. 1562

      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. 1562, H.D. 1, entitled:

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

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to:

     (1)  Require the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Division of the Department of Health to implement and administer a one-year Digital Youth Mental Health Platform Pilot Project;

     (2)  Require the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Division to report to the Legislature on the pilot project; and

     (3)  Appropriate funds for the pilot project.  

     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; Hawaiʻi Public Health Institute; Hawaii Medical Association; HI H.O.P.E.S. Initiative at EPIC ʻOhana; Catholic Charities Hawaiʻi; Hawaiʻi Community Foundation; and two individuals.  Your Committee received comments on this measure from the State Procurement Office and Hawaii Substance Abuse Coalition.

     Your Committee requests consideration that the digital platform to be operated pursuant to this measure be developed with attention to equity and inclusivity of its users and their specific needs.

     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. 1562, 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.  304-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2026

RE:   H.B. No. 1562

      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. 1562 entitled:

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

beg leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to appropriate funds for a one-year Digital Youth Mental Health Platform pilot program that will enable the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Division of the Department of Health to develop and make publicly available a digital platform designed to help young people address and manage mental health challenges.

     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; HI H.O.P.E.S. Initiative; Catholic Charities Hawaiʻi; Hawaii Medical Association; Hawaiʻi Children's Action Network Speaks!; and three individuals. 

Your Committees received comments on this measure from the State Procurement Office.

     Your Committees find that, as the result of multiple traumas such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2023 Maui wildfires, and rising family instability resulting from housing insecurity and loss of essential social services, mental health needs among Hawaii's children and adolescents are on the rise.  Your Committees further find that providing easy access to trusted information and resources empowers youth, reduces stigma, and may prevent mental health challenges from worsening in the future.  A digital platform like the one proposed by this measure that can connect youth to these trusted resources will help youth overcome barriers, such as geographic isolation, transportation challenges, and long waitlists, that might otherwise prevent them from accessing mental health services, and will enable youth who might be unable to access in-person mental health services to receive the support they need in a safe and convenient manner.

     Your Committees have amended this measure by:

     (1)  Changing the appropriation to an unspecified amount;

     (2)  Changing the effective date to July 1, 3000, to encourage further discussion; and

     (3)  Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

     Your Committees note the testimony of the Hawaiʻi State Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer Plus Commission that many LGBTQ+ and gender-diverse youth experience disproportionately high rates of depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, bullying, family rejection, and homelessness, and that a digital platform may be the first or only place these youth feel safe seeking help.  Accordingly, your Committee respectfully requests your Committee on Finance, should it deliberate on this measure, to consider requiring the digital platform established by this measure to include language specifically addressing the needs of Hawaii's LGBTQ+ youth.  Your Committees additionally respectfully request your Committee on Finance, should it deliberate on this measure, to consider an appropriation amount of $300,000.

     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. 1562, as amended herein, and recommend that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 1562, 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,