HI SR200

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 topics on cultural awareness and loss of ethnic identity.

Notes that Native Hawaiian youth have the highest suicide attempt and death rates in Hawaii, and that culturally-based mental health programs are four times more successful at addressing Native Hawaiians' specific mental health needs.

Recognizes that Native Hawaiians experience unique mental health disparities starting in childhood, underutilize mental health services, and are more likely to leave treatment programs prematurely.

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