HI SB703

Requires the Department of Education to include at least two hours of suicide prevention education in annual in-service training for all teachers, principals, and school counselors in Hawaii public schools.

Permits the education requirement to be satisfied through completion of suicide prevention materials approved by the Department of Education.

Addresses Hawaii's suicide crisis, where one person dies by suicide approximately every two days and suicide is the leading cause of death for youth ages 15-24.

Models similar legislation known as the Jason Flatt Act, which has been adopted by 20 states requiring educators to complete annual suicide awareness and prevention training.

Takes effect upon approval and is intended to increase the number of school personnel trained to identify youth at risk of suicide and refer them to appropriate services.