Hawaii Senate Bill SR151

Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/8/24
• Refer: 3/14/24
• Report Pass: 4/1/24
• Passed: 4/2/24

Caption

Requesting The Department Of Human Services To Report On The Cultural And Therapeutic Services Provided By Community-based Organizations At The Kawailoa Youth And Family Wellness Center.

Impact

The resolution specifically calls upon the Department of Human Services to report on the cultural and therapeutic services already being provided by community organizations at the Kawailoa Youth and Family Wellness Center. This center is noted for its partnership with state and nonprofit agencies, focusing on transforming punitive treatment modalities into supportive therapeutic programs built on indigenous knowledge and practices. By focusing on restoring youth and reducing the chances of incarceration and homelessness, SR151 aims to create a more supportive environment through state and private sector collaboration.

Summary

Senate Resolution 151 (SR151) aims to address critical social issues, including homelessness, poverty, and mental health among youth in Hawaii. The resolution highlights the concerning statistics related to youth homelessness and incarceration, with a specific mention that ten percent of Hawaii's homeless population consists of individuals under eighteen years old. Acknowledging the urgent need for effective solutions, SR151 seeks to promote community-based support services that have been shown to positively impact these vulnerable demographics, particularly 'opportunity youth' aged sixteen to twenty-four who are disconnected from schooling and employment.

Contention

A significant aspect of SR151 is its call for the Department of Human Services to not only evaluate the current state of these services but also to outline specific plans for future collaboration aimed at expanding these initiatives. The anticipated report must include recommendations and proposed legislation, which will be due twenty days before the beginning of the next Regular Session in 2025. This ensures ongoing legislative engagement in educational and therapeutic interventions that cater specifically to the unique needs of Hawaii's youth, especially those labeled as at-risk.