H.B. 174 Summary

• Requires at least three members of the State Council on Mental Health to have demonstrated knowledge of or work experience in native Hawaiian concepts of well-being, culturally-grounded mental health methodologies, or traditional healing or health practices.

• Qualifications for these three members include a relevant college degree with focus on native Hawaiian health, work history demonstrating knowledge of native Hawaiian health practices, health/social/advocacy work addressing native Hawaiian inequities, or substantial community experience as a native Hawaiian traditional healing practitioner.

• Addresses documented disparities in mental health outcomes among native Hawaiians, including youth suicide rates 2.3 times higher than Caucasian youth and twice the suicide attempt rates among native Hawaiian youth.

• Notes that culturally-based mental health programs are four times more successful and that native Hawaiians underutilize western mental health services due to cultural incongruence.

• Takes effect upon approval with council composition required to comply by July 1, 2020.