Urging The Department Of Health To Conduct A Study To Evaluate Hawaii Residents' Engagement With Addictive Online Activities.
Impact
The resolution advocates for a prevalence survey to effectively gauge the engagement levels of Hawaii residents in these online activities. By understanding the extent of this engagement, the Department of Health can better design and implement support systems and preventive measures specifically targeted at vulnerable groups that are disproportionately affected by such addictive behaviors. Thus, the resolution aims to fill a crucial gap in understanding how residents interact with digital platforms.
Summary
Senate Concurrent Resolution SCR18 urges the Department of Health of Hawaii to conduct a comprehensive study on residents' engagement with potentially addictive online activities. This resolution arose in the context of growing concerns over the impact of social media and other online platforms on mental health, especially among vulnerable populations in Hawaii. The resolution points out that various digital activities, including social media use, online gaming, and even high-risk trading in stocks and cryptocurrencies, are notably increasing in prevalence yet remain largely unregulated and unmonitored.
Contention
Scrutiny surrounding the influence of major technology companies on addictive behaviors has intensified, particularly following lawsuits filed against firms like Meta Platforms, Inc. The bill highlights the need for vigilance against predatory practices towards children and recognizes that addiction to online activities often occurs in private, making it difficult for individuals and families to identify and address the issues. Critics and advocates alike underscore the importance of studying these practices to inform the necessary policy changes and potential regulations that might follow as a result of the findings.
Urging The Department Of Taxation, In Consultation With The Department Of Hawaiian Home Lands, To Conduct A Feasibility Study On Providing Tax Breaks To Individuals Who Sell Property To Native Hawaiians On The Department Of Hawaiian Home Lands Waitlist.
Urging The Governor To Request The Department Of Business, Economic Development, And Tourism And Department Of Health To Establish A Gambling Task Force To Develop An Evidence-based Framework With An Appraisal Of The Resources Necessary To Ensure The Public's Health And Safety And Mitigate Gambling-related Harm In Order To Guide Future Gambling Legislation In The State Of Hawaii.
Urging The Department Of Taxation, In Consultation With The Department Of Hawaiian Home Lands, To Conduct A Feasibility Study On Providing Tax Breaks To Individuals Who Sell Property To Native Hawaiians On The Department Of Hawaiian Home Lands Waitlist.
Urging The Hawaii Climate Change Mitigation And Adaptation Commission To Develop A Proactive And Comprehensive Communication Strategy To Educate Hawaii's Residents About The Health Impacts Of The Climate Crisis.
Urging The United States Geological Survey To Conduct Topographical Surveys, Particularly Within Lava-flow Hazard Zones 1 And 2, To Update Its Long-term Lava-flow Hazard Map Of Hawaii Island.