HI HCR198

"Excited delirium" and "excited delirium syndrome" are not recognized as valid medical diagnoses by any leading medical or scientific organization, including the American Medical Association, American Psychiatric Association, World Health Organization, or the DSM-5.

The Hawaii Department of Health reported that "excited delirium" has been listed as an immediate cause of death nine times since 2006 on state autopsy reports and death certificates.

Multiple Hawaii legislative committees found the term has been used to justify law enforcement violence and shield officers from accountability in custody deaths, particularly affecting people of color and those experiencing mental health crises.

The resolution requests all state and county government entities refrain from listing "excited delirium" as a cause of death on autopsy reports, death certificates, or in any other context.

Certified copies would be sent to the Director of Health, medical examiners/coroners of each county, and chiefs of police of each county.