HR 92: encouraging the University of Hawaii to evaluate and expand its current mental health services for students.

HOUSE RESOLUTION

encouraging the University of Hawaii to evaluate and expand its current mental health services for students.

     WHEREAS, the mental health and well-being of students is essential to academic success and the overall campus climate; and

     WHEREAS, the University of Hawaii plays a critical role in fostering an environment where students can access comprehensive mental health support; and

     WHEREAS, recent assessments and feedback indicate an increased demand for mental health services for students, highlighting the need for additional qualified mental health professionals on University of Hawaii campuses; and

     WHEREAS, expanding the availability of mental health services, including counseling, crisis intervention, and preventive care, will contribute to improved academic performance, enhanced student retention, and a more supportive educational environment; and

     WHEREAS, investing in additional mental health resources on University of Hawaii campuses aligns with the State's commitment to the well-being of its residents and will help in the development of a resilient future workforce; now, therefore,

     BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Thirty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2025, that the University of Hawaii is encouraged to evaluate and expand its current mental health services for students; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the University of Hawaii is encouraged to expand its existing mental health services by hiring additional mental health professionals and support staff to ensure there are adequate resources to meet the growing needs of its student body; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the University of Hawaii is encouraged to consider enhancing the accessibility and scope of its mental health programs, including extending counseling hours, improving crisis response, and adopting proactive outreach initiatives to better support students in achieving academic and personal success; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the University of Hawaii is requested to provide periodic updates to the Legislature on its efforts to expand mental health services, including the number of new enhancements made to support structures, to ensure accountability and continuous improvement; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the President of the University of Hawaii System and Chairperson of the Board of Regents.

Report Title: 

University of Hawaii; Mental Health Services

STAND. COM. REP. NO.  1873

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2025

RE:   H.R. No. 92

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Madame:

     Your Committee on Health, to which was referred H.R. No. 92 entitled:

"HOUSE RESOLUTION ENCOURAGING THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII TO EVALUATE AND EXPAND ITS CURRENT MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES FOR STUDENTS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to encourage the University of Hawaii to evaluate and expand its current mental health services for students.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Health Committee of the Democratic Party of Hawai‘i and three individuals.  Your Committee received comments on this measure from the University of Hawai‘i System.

     Your Committee finds that a student's mental health and well-being is critical for academic success.  Your Committee further finds that although the University of Hawaii provides mental health services for students, recent assessments and student feedback indicate that there is an increased demand for these services.  This measure encourages the University of Hawaii to expand its existing student mental health services to ensure all students within the University of Hawaii System have access to comprehensive mental health support.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Health that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of H.R. No. 92 and recommends its adoption.

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

STAND. COM. REP. NO.  1570

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2025

RE:   H.R. No. 92

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Madame:

     Your Committee on Higher Education, to which was referred H.R. No. 92 entitled:

"HOUSE RESOLUTION ENCOURAGING THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII TO EVALUATE AND EXPAND ITS CURRENT MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES FOR STUDENTS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to encourage the University of Hawaii to evaluate and expand its current mental health services for students.

     Your Committee received comments on this measure from the University of Hawaiʻi System.

     Your Committee finds that the mental health and well-being of students is essential to academic success and the overall campus climate.  Your Committee further finds that the University of Hawaii plays a critical role in promoting an environment where students can access comprehensive mental health support.  Recent assessments and feedback indicate an increased need for mental health services for students.  Your Committee believes that expanding the availability of mental health services offered by the University of Hawaii, including counseling, crisis intervention, and preventive care, will contribute to improved academic performance, enhanced student retention, and a more supportive educational environment.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Higher Education that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of H.R. No. 92 and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Health.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Higher Education,