This Senate Resolution requests the Hawaii State Department of Education to fulfill its contractual obligations to doctoral-level educational psychology trainees by creating and funding appropriate positions. The bill asks the department to report on the number of stipend recipients, existing positions, and how current job titles like "Mental Health Interventionist" align with the specialized training these professionals received. It further directs the department to evaluate whether current classifications properly reflect doctoral-level qualifications and to identify necessary funding to expand positions statewide. Ultimately, the resolution seeks to ensure that professionals who completed multi-year service commitments are placed in roles consistent with their training and the original agreement.
This Senate Concurrent Resolution asks the Hawaii Department of Education to work with the Department of Health to study the costs and benefits of hiring mental health professionals in public schools. The study would examine staffing ratios, such as one professional for every 250 students or one per school with fewer students, and analyze guidelines for creating safe telehealth spaces during school hours. The resolution directs the departments to prepare a report with findings and recommendations for the Legislature by late 2026. This measure is a non-binding request for information gathering rather than a law that immediately changes policy.
This Senate Concurrent Resolution asks the Governor's Senior Advisor for Mental Health and the Justice System to create a plan for increasing access to the Hawaii State Hospital for mentally ill criminal defendants and individuals recently released from the facility who are at risk of reoffending. The bill is non-binding and does not authorize funding or change laws; instead, it directs the Senior Advisor to coordinate with relevant state agencies to develop placement options for these individuals. The resolution requires a report with findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to be submitted to the Legislature by early 2027. This measure addresses concerns about the hospital reaching capacity and the lack of suitable placements for people under civil commitment or those transitioning out of the mental health system.
This bill is a House Resolution that requests the Hawaii Department of Health to form a working group focused on improving care for patients with multiple chronic conditions, including substance use disorders, mental health disorders, and physical illnesses. The working group would examine how to better coordinate services, funding, and treatment approaches for these individuals who often struggle with fragmented care systems. Key considerations include developing integrated residential and outpatient programs, expanding medication-assisted treatment, improving care coordination, and addressing social needs like housing and employment. The Department of Health is asked to lead this effort by inviting relevant stakeholders and submitting a report with recommendations to the Legislature by early 2027.
This House Resolution urges Hawaii state agencies to create a statewide peer counselor program for high school students to address loneliness and social disconnection. The proposed program would involve collaboration between the Department of Education, Department of Health, and Office of Wellness and Resilience to train students in active listening, ethical boundaries, and culturally responsive practices. Student peer counselors would serve as trained points of connection within schools, promoting belonging and helping identify students experiencing isolation while referring them to licensed mental health professionals when needed. The resolution recommends implementing the program in phases starting with pilot programs in select schools and includes the Hawaii State Youth Commission in program development and evaluation.
This bill requests the Governor's Senior Advisor for Mental Health and the Justice System to develop a plan for increasing access to the Hawaii State Hospital for mentally ill criminal defendants and individuals recently released from the hospital who are at risk of returning to the justice system. The resolution addresses concerns that the hospital is currently at full capacity and that existing diversion programs have not effectively reduced the jail population due to a lack of coordination between state agencies. The plan must identify suitable placements for people in civil commitment or those being evaluated for fitness to stand trial, with a report and any proposed legislation due to the Legislature before the start of the 2027 session.
This Senate Resolution urges Hawaii state agencies to create a statewide peer counselor program for high school students to address youth loneliness and social disconnection. The program would involve trained student peer counselors who receive standardized instruction in active listening, ethical boundaries, and culturally responsive practices to help identify and support students experiencing isolation. Key provisions include collaboration between the Department of Education, Department of Health, and Office of Wellness and Resilience, with the Hawaii State Youth Commission providing input on program design and evaluation. The resolution emphasizes face-to-face peer relationships and clear referral pathways to licensed mental health professionals while maintaining centralized oversight across the state's public education system.
This House Resolution asks the Governor's Senior Advisor for Mental Health and the Justice System to create a plan for increasing access to the Hawaii State Hospital for mentally ill criminal defendants and individuals recently released from the facility. The request is based on concerns that the hospital is currently at full capacity, with most patients being evaluated for fitness to stand trial, which limits available space for other needed placements. The resolution directs the Senior Advisor to develop a strategy for creating shelter placements for these populations and submit a report with findings and recommendations to the Legislature by the end of 2026. This measure focuses on improving coordination among state agencies to address placement shortages rather than changing existing laws or funding levels.
This bill is a House Resolution that formally recognizes and honors Alan Johnson for his nearly 30 years of leadership at Hina Mauka, a substance and behavioral health organization in Hawaii. The resolution acknowledges his role in expanding services to over 70,000 individuals, introducing evidence-based therapies, and developing programs for women, adolescents, and Native Hawaiian communities. It celebrates his retirement and expresses gratitude for his contributions to the organization and the broader community. The measure does not create new laws or policies but serves as a ceremonial tribute to his service.
This Senate Resolution urges the Thompson School of Social Work and Public Health to create a Mental Health Emerging Therapies Task Force to prepare Hawaii for potential new mental health treatments like MDMA-assisted therapy and psilocybin-assisted therapy. The proposed task force would include representatives from the Department of Health, University of Hawaii, mental health professionals, legal experts, Native Hawaiian health organizations, and individuals with lived experience. The group is tasked with developing a statewide plan for clinical trials, workforce training, patient safety, and equitable access to these therapies once federal approval is granted. The task force must submit its findings and recommendations to the Legislature by the end of 2027. This resolution is a non-binding recommendation that does not change current laws but aims to guide future policy development.
