HI SCR225

Urges the Governor to ensure at least 2 members of the State Council on Mental Health have knowledge of or work experience with Native Hawaiian concepts of well-being, culturally grounded mental health methodologies, or traditional healing practices

Requires Council members to receive annual training conducted by the Office of Hawaiian Affairs on Native Hawaiian healing and health, including cultural awareness and loss of ethnic identity

Addresses Native Hawaiian mental health disparities, noting that Native Hawaiians have the highest youth suicide attempt and death rates in Hawaii and tend to underutilize mental health services

Cites research indicating that culturally-based mental health programs are four times more successful at addressing Native Hawaiians' specific mental health needs

Directs transmission of certified copies of the resolution to the Governor and Chairperson of the State Council on Mental Health