HI SB2408

Amends Hawaii Revised Statutes Section 334-10 to require an unspecified number of State Council on Mental Health members to have demonstrated knowledge of or work experience involving native Hawaiian concepts of well-being, culturally grounded mental health methodologies, or traditional healing or health practices.

Council members may meet the requirement through: a college/university degree in relevant fields (psychology, social work, public health, nursing, Hawaiian studies, health administration, or medicine) with focus on native Hawaiian and indigenous health; work history in native Hawaiian and indigenous health or traditional healing practices (hooponopono, laau lapaau, or lomilomi); health/social/advocacy work addressing native Hawaiian inequities; or substantial community experience as a native Hawaiian traditional and customary healing practitioner.

Establishes that the State Council on Mental Health continues to consist of 21 members appointed by the governor, with requirements that all service area boards are represented and a majority are non-providers of health services and non-state employees.

Takes effect July 1, 2050, with the council's composition required to comply with the new requirements by that same date.

Addresses documented disparities in native Hawaiian mental health, including suicide rates 2.3 times higher than Caucasian youth and twice the suicide attempt rates, by requiring culturally responsive representation on the council.