Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

Hawaii Senate Bill SR200

Introduced
3/7/25  

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.

Companion Bills

HI SCR225

Same As 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.

Previously Filed As

HI SB263

Relating To The State Council On Mental Health.

HI SB263

Relating To The State Council On Mental Health.

HI HCR32

Requesting The Office Of Hawaiian Affairs To Identify The Scope Of Native Hawaiian Cultural Appropriateness For The Purpose Of Addressing Native Hawaiian Disparities.

HI HR21

Requesting The Office Of Hawaiian Affairs To Identify The Scope Of Native Hawaiian Cultural Appropriateness For The Purpose Of Addressing Native Hawaiian Disparities.

HI HCR66

Requesting The Office Of Hawaiian Affairs To Report On Strategies For Native Hawaiian Rural Resiliency.

HI HR49

Requesting The Office Of Hawaiian Affairs To Report On Strategies For Native Hawaiian Rural Resiliency.

HI HCR26

Requesting That The Department Of Health Create A Formal Plan To Implement Certain Recommendations With Respect To Oral Health Care For Native Hawaiians.

HI HR28

Requesting That The Department Of Health Create A Formal Plan To Implement Certain Recommendations With Respect To Oral Health Care For Native Hawaiians.

HI SR176

Declaring That Bullying Is A Matter Of Statewide Concern; Requesting The Department Of Education To Update Its Rules And Policies To Address Bullying; And Requesting The Hawaii State Council On Developmental Disabilities To Convene A Task Force To Address The Bullying Of Disabled Children.

HI SCR200

Declaring That Bullying Is A Matter Of Statewide Concern; Requesting The Department Of Education To Update Its Rules And Policies To Address Bullying; And Requesting The Hawaii State Council On Developmental Disabilities To Convene A Task Force To Address The Bullying Of Disabled Children.

Similar Bills

HI HB2491

Relating To The Hawaiian Language.

HI SB1317

Relating To Public Land Trust Funds.

HI HB1266

Relating To Public Land Trust Funds.

HI HCR32

Requesting The Office Of Hawaiian Affairs To Identify The Scope Of Native Hawaiian Cultural Appropriateness For The Purpose Of Addressing Native Hawaiian Disparities.

HI HR21

Requesting The Office Of Hawaiian Affairs To Identify The Scope Of Native Hawaiian Cultural Appropriateness For The Purpose Of Addressing Native Hawaiian Disparities.

HI SB1413

Relating To The Hawaiian Language.

HI HB1986

Relating To The Board Of Education.

HI SB392

Relating To Support For Traditional Native Speakers Of Hawaiian.