REQUESTING THE GOVERNOR TO INCREASE KNOWLEDGE AND USE OF NATIVE HAWAIIAN CONCEPTS AND PRACTICES ON HEALTH AND WELL-BEING IN THE STATE COUNCIL ON MENTAL HEALTH.

This concurrent resolution (SCR 225) requests the Governor to direct the State Council on Mental Health to integrate Native Hawaiian wellness concepts into its work. It specifically requires at least two council members to have expertise in Native Hawaiian healing practices, and mandates annual training for all council members on cultural awareness and traditional health methodologies provided by the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. The resolution addresses documented mental health disparities affecting Native Hawaiians, including higher suicide rates and underutilization of services, citing evidence that culturally grounded approaches are four times more effective. The proposal does not create new law but urges the Council to adopt these specific changes to improve mental health resource allocation. This directly affects the State Council on Mental Health and its advisory role on state mental health resources.