Hawaii Senate Bill SR200

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/7/25
• Refer: 3/12/25

Caption

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.

Impact

If adopted, SR200 would ensure that at least two members of the State Council on Mental Health possess experience or knowledge about Native Hawaiian well-being concepts and methodologies. Furthermore, it mandates that the Council’s members undergo annual training on Native Hawaiian healing and health topics. These measures aim to improve cultural competence within the mental health system, ultimately addressing the needs of Native Hawaiians who have historically underutilized mental health services due to cultural misunderstandings and disparities.

Summary

Senate Resolution 200 requests the Governor of Hawaii to enhance knowledge and integration of Native Hawaiian concepts and practices regarding health and well-being within the State Council on Mental Health. The resolution highlights the pressing issue of youth suicide among Native Hawaiians, which is statistically higher than in other demographics, and points to the unique mental health disparities faced by this community. It underscores the link between cultural identity, mental health, and overall wellness, advocating for a culturally responsive approach to mental health care.

Contention

While the resolution appears to have strong intent to improve mental health outcomes for Native Hawaiians, it may encounter challenges regarding resource allocation and the implementation of training programs. Critics may question the extent of the mandate or the effectiveness of integrating traditional practices into the existing mental health framework, which is often dominated by Western approaches. There may also be concerns regarding how such integration is perceived by practitioners and whether it aligns with evidence-based practices in mental health treatment.