Hawaii Senate Bill SCR124

Hawaii 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/11/22
• Refer: 3/16/22
• Report Pass: 3/30/22
• Engrossed: 3/31/22
• Refer: 4/4/22
• Report Pass: 4/19/22
• Passed: 4/20/22

Caption

Urging The Department Of Health And Department Of Human Services To Work With Community Partners, Including The Ymca Of Honolulu, To Support The Mental Wellness Of The State's Youth.

Impact

If enacted, SCR124 aims to influence state laws by promoting a more proactive approach to youth mental health by involving community organizations. The resolution recognizes the YMCA of Honolulu's long-standing dedication to youth services, highlighting its potential to effectively support young people at various stages of mental wellness. By encouraging state departments to engage with these organizations, the bill seeks to enhance community resources available for addressing the mental health crisis among the youth.

Summary

Senate Concurrent Resolution 124 (SCR124) urges the Department of Health and the Department of Human Services in Hawaii to collaborate with community partners, particularly the YMCA of Honolulu, to bolster the mental wellness of the youth in the state. The need for this resolution arises from the significant mental health challenges faced by Hawaii's youth, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has severely impacted their social development and coping mechanisms. Reports indicate alarming increases in mental health issues such as depression and anxiety among young people in the state, particularly following the onset of the pandemic.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SCR124 appears to be largely positive, as it reflects a growing concern for youth mental health and the recognition of community efforts to address these challenges. Legislators expressed support for the initiative, acknowledging the inadequacies of existing support structures for youth mental wellness and the necessity for collaboration with established local organizations. There seems to be a general consensus on the importance of tackling this issue, although some stakeholders might argue about the allocation of resources and the most effective methods to achieve the desired outcomes.

Contention

While there were no explicit points of contention noted in the discussions, there may be underlying concerns regarding the implementation of the resolution. Critics may question whether state agencies have the adequate capacity and resources to work effectively with community partners or whether this collaboration could lead to conflicting priorities. Nonetheless, the overarching goal of promoting youth mental wellness remains a focal point of SCR124, driving the collaborative efforts between state departments and community organizations.