HI HCR88

Urges the Governor to appoint at least two members to the State Council on Mental Health with demonstrated knowledge of Native Hawaiian concepts of well-being, culturally-grounded mental health methodologies, or traditional healing practices.

Establishes that Native Hawaiians experience significant mental health disparities, including suicide rates two times higher than Caucasian peers and highest rates of youth drug use in the State.

Notes that Native Hawaiians underuse existing mental health services due to cultural incongruence with Western mental health approaches and are more likely to seek services when values and beliefs align with interventions provided.

References Act 155, Session Laws of Hawaii 2014, which committed the State to prioritize programs addressing social determinants of health to improve Native Hawaiian health and well-being.

Requires certified copies of the resolution be transmitted to the Governor and Chairperson of the State Council on Mental Health.