H.B. 292 Summary

• Requires at least two 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 practices.

• Qualifications for these positions include a relevant college or university degree (psychology, social work, public health, nursing, Hawaiian studies, health administration, or medicine) with focus on native Hawaiian health, transgenerational trauma, or traditional practices such as ho'oponopono, lā'au lapa'au, or lomilomi.

• Alternative qualifications include work history demonstrating knowledge of native Hawaiian and indigenous health practices, health or advocacy work addressing native Hawaiian inequities, or substantial community experience as a native Hawaiian traditional and customary healing practitioner.

• Addresses documented mental health disparities among native Hawaiians, including higher suicide rates among youth (2.3 times more likely than Caucasian youth) and higher rates of suicide attempts, substance abuse, and other mental health challenges.

• Implements Act 155, Session Laws of Hawai'i 2014, which directed decision-makers to prioritize programs addressing social determinants of health to improve native Hawaiian health and well-being.