S.B. 905 Summary

• Requires the state council on mental health to include members with demonstrated knowledge of or work experience in native Hawaiian health practices, culturally grounded mental health methodologies, or traditional healing practices.

• Qualifications may be met through a college degree in psychology, social work, public health, nursing, Hawaiian studies, health administration, or medicine with focus on native Hawaiian/indigenous health or traditional practices (hooponopono, laau lapaau, lomilomi), or through relevant work history or community experience.

• Establishes that council members must demonstrate expertise through either educational credentials, professional work history involving native Hawaiian health, history of advocacy work addressing native Hawaiian health inequities, or substantial community experience as a native Hawaiian traditional practitioner.

• Takes effect May 6, 2137.