SR 200: REQUESTING THE GOVERNOR TO INCREASE KNOWLEDGE AND USE OF NATIVE HAWAIIAN CONCEPTS AND PRACTICES ON HEALTH AND WELL-BEING IN THE STATE COUNCIL ON MENTAL HEALTH.

SENATE RESOLUTION

REQUESTING THE GOVERNOR TO INCREASE KNOWLEDGE AND USE OF NATIVE HAWAIIAN CONCEPTS AND PRACTICES ON HEALTH AND WELL-BEING IN THE STATE COUNCIL ON MENTAL HEALTH.

WHEREAS, youth suicide attempts and death rates in Hawaii are highest amongst Native Hawaiians, profoundly impacting their families and communities; and

WHEREAS, Native Hawaiians experience unique mental health disparities that pervade their day-to-day well-being and hinder their overall health; and

     WHEREAS, mental health disparities experienced by Native Hawaiians start in childhood and persist throughout adulthood; and

     WHEREAS, Native Hawaiians tend to underutilize mental health services, seeking therapy only after a mental illness becomes severe, and are more likely to leave treatment programs prematurely; and

     WHEREAS, studies on Native Hawaiian mental health illustrate the need for state interventions and confirm that culturally-based programs are four times more successful at addressing Native Hawaiians' specific mental health needs; and

WHEREAS, the State Council on Mental Health is responsible for reviewing, evaluating, and advising on the allocation and adequacy of the State's mental health resources; and

     WHEREAS, the Legislature recognizes its obligation to address health disparities throughout the State; now, therefore

     BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Thirty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2025, the House of Representative Concurring, that the Governor of the State is urged to ensure that:

     (1)  At least 2 members of the State Council on Mental Health demonstrate knowledge of or work experience involving Native Hawaiian concepts of well-being, culturally grounded mental health methodologies, or traditional healing and health practices; and

     (2)  Members of the Council receive annual training, conducted by the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, on topics related to Native Hawaiian healing and health, including training on cultural awareness and loss of ethnic identity; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Governor and Chairperson of the State Council on Mental Health.

Report Title: 

Governor; State Council on Mental Health; Native Hawaiian Health Practices