Informing the Legislature that on June 27, 2024, the Governor signed the following bill into law: HB1148 HD1 SD2 CD1 (ACT 107).

This bill appropriates $210,150 from the state's general revenues to expand a mental health technician training program at the University of Hawaii Windward Community College. The funds are designated to hire two temporary faculty positions for curriculum development and student outreach, as well as to establish a scholarship program for unemployed or low-wage individuals seeking to enter the mental health field. By supporting this short-term certificate of competence program, the legislation aims to address the statewide shortage of mental health providers by upskilling existing workers and creating a pathway to higher qualifications. The money will be used to offer the course both in-person and online across the state, with the goal of increasing the number of qualified staff available to serve Hawaii residents.