HI HR94

Urges the Department of Education, Department of Health, and Office of Wellness and Resilience to develop a statewide peer counselor program for high school students to address youth loneliness and social disconnection

Student peer counselors would receive standardized training in active listening, ethical boundaries, trauma-informed practices, cultural responsiveness, and referral pathways to licensed mental health professionals

Program would prioritize face-to-face peer relationships, trust-building exercises, and culturally responsive approaches, with particular attention to Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander youth who have shown worsening mental health indicators

The Hawaii State Youth Commission would participate in program development, implementation, and evaluation, including gathering student input and advising on effectiveness and equity

Office of Wellness and Resilience (established by Act 291, Session Laws of Hawaii 2022) would coordinate among state agencies and ensure alignment with trauma-informed and healing-centered principles