HI HR138

Hawaii House Resolution urges the legislature to prioritize legislation banning the use of "excited delirium" as a medical diagnosis, cause of death, or legal theory in the state.

"Excited delirium" is not recognized by major medical organizations, is not included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, and has no International Classification of Diseases (ICD-9 or ICD-10) code.

Legislative committees found the term has been used for decades to justify law enforcement use of force, particularly in cases involving mental health crises and disproportionately affecting people of color.

The resolution is named "The Haleck Resolution" in memory of Sheldon Haleck, a Native Hawaiian military veteran who died during a law enforcement encounter where "excited delirium" was cited by defense experts.

Despite lacking medical recognition, the term has appeared on Hawaii autopsy reports, death certificates, and in legal proceedings including wrongful death cases.