HI SR43

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

Program design should 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 experienced worsening mental health indicators

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

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

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