HI HB967

Appropriates funds to the University of Hawaii at Manoa to hire three full-time equivalent (3.0 FTE) psychologist positions to provide student mental health services for fiscal years 2017-2018 and 2018-2019.

Appropriates funds to the University of Hawaii at Manoa to hire one full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) case manager position to provide student mental health services for fiscal years 2017-2018 and 2018-2019.

Addresses documented mental health crisis at UH Manoa, which has 20,000 students but only 7.5 FTE psychologist positions, below the national guideline of one psychologist per 1,000-1,500 students.

Cites national data showing nearly 50% of college students report feeling hopeless and over 36% report depression that interferes with functioning, with college counseling centers increasingly understaffed.

Takes effect on July 1, 2050.