Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

Hawaii Senate Bill SCR225

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 enacted, SCR225 would mandate that at least two members of the State Council on Mental Health possess knowledge of or relevant experience with Native Hawaiian health practices. Additionally, it calls for annual training conducted by the Office of Hawaiian Affairs on matters related to Native Hawaiian healing and cultural awareness. This measure seeks to ensure that mental health resources are culturally relevant and competent, ultimately aiming to reduce the stigma around seeking help and improve treatment outcomes for Native Hawaiians.

Summary

SCR225 is a resolution that requests the Governor of Hawaii to promote the incorporation of Native Hawaiian concepts and practices into the State Council on Mental Health. This initiative aims to address the significant mental health disparities experienced by Native Hawaiians, particularly noting their higher rates of youth suicide attempts and deaths, which profoundly impact their communities. Evidence suggests that culturally-based mental health programs are substantially more effective in serving this demographic compared to traditional methods. The resolution underscores the urgency for state intervention in improving mental health support for Native Hawaiians.

Contention

There may be points of contention surrounding the implementation of SCR225, particularly regarding the potential challenges of integrating traditional healing practices into the modern healthcare framework. Some stakeholders might argue about the feasibility of incorporating these cultural practices within existing mental health services, while others may advocate for the need to maintain fidelity to traditional approaches. Overall, the bill reflects a growing recognition of Indigenous knowledge and approaches in addressing mental health issues and draws attention to the unique needs of Native Hawaiian youth.

Companion Bills

HI SR200

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 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.

HI SCR88

Requesting The Office Of Wellness And Resilience Establish The Malama Ohana Working Group To Identify, Design, And Recommend Transformative Changes To The State's Child Welfare System.

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.