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 Senate Resolution (SR 200) urges the Governor to require the State Council on Mental Health to incorporate Native Hawaiian wellness concepts. It specifically requests that at least two Council members have expertise in Native Hawaiian healing practices, and that all members receive annual cultural training from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs on topics like traditional health practices and cultural awareness. The resolution directly affects the State Council on Mental Health, which oversees mental health resource allocation. It aims to address documented disparities in mental health outcomes for Native Hawaiians, who experience higher suicide rates and underutilize services. The resolution does not create new laws but requests specific changes to Council membership and training.