HB1618 Summary: Native Hawaiian Healers

• Creates a new licensing system for native Hawaiian healers practicing laau lapaau (herbal healing), laau kahea (spiritual healing), lomi lomi (massage), and hooponopono (conflict resolution)

• Establishes a Board of Native Hawaiian Healing with five members (three licensed healers and two private citizens) administratively attached to the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs

• Requires applicants to hold a bachelor's degree or higher in Hawaiian studies or equivalent with an accredited course of study in native Hawaiian healing from an accredited college or university before taking licensure examination

• Exempts traditional practitioners who acquired knowledge through direct association with Hawaiian elders and oral traditions from licensure requirements, but prohibits them from claiming to hold a license

• Prohibits unlicensed practice of native Hawaiian healing with penalties of $50-$1,000 per violation; licensure requirements effective July 1, 2012, with examinations beginning that date