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HB1537
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
H.B. NO.
1537
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026
STATE OF HAWAII
A BILL FOR AN ACT
relating
to mental health
.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
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SECTION
1.
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The legislature finds that mental
health issues among adolescents in Hawaii are on the rise, with many facing a
combination of mental health challenges, substance use disorders, and the
effects of recent traumatic events.
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Adolescence, a specific biological stage between ages ten and nineteen,
is a period marked by rapid brain development and identity formation and
therefore, a critical time for intervention.
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Research shows that half of all mental health conditions begin by age
fourteen, but many remain undiagnosed and untreated.
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Early awareness and intervention can prevent
mental health conditions from escalating, preventing lifelong impacts on
individuals and their families.
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The
effectiveness of substance abuse prevention programs in Hawaii has demonstrated
the potential of statewide initiatives to address complex social issues.
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By establishing a similar framework for
mental health prevention amongst adolescents, the State can address the rising
needs of its adolescents and promote healthier futures.
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The
legislature further finds that Hawaii's adolescents have experienced
significant trauma in recent years, including the effects of COVID-19, the Maui
wildfires, and rising family instability caused by housing shortages and loss
of essential services.
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These crises have
led to increases in depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, and behavioral
issues among adolescents.
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Continuous
stress, compounded by family and cultural trauma, contributes to toxic stress,
which increases the risk of mental health disorders and substance abuse.
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Adolescents are particularly vulnerable
during this time of transition, and without intervention, many turn to
substances such as cannabis, alcohol, and tobacco as coping mechanisms.
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These behaviors not only exacerbate mental health
issues but also interfere with the normal development of the adolescent brain,
leading to lasting emotional and cognitive challenges.
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The
legislature finds that there is a substantial gap in mental health services for
adolescents in Hawaii.
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As of 2024,
approximately 34.8 per cent of high school students in Hawaii report signs of
depression, and 26.3 per cent of middle school students have considered
suicide.
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Despite these alarming
statistics, a significant number of youth do not receive the mental health
support they need.
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Recent reports show
that approximately seventeen thousand adolescents experience a major depressive
episode annually, and many youth engage in substance use as a means of
self-medication for their mental health conditions.
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Preventive mental health services, including
early screening, education, and intervention, are critical in addressing these
issues before they escalate into more severe conditions.
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Comprehensive mental health prevention
programs can help to reduce the incidence of substance abuse and promote
healthy coping strategies that prevent long-term emotional distress.
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By integrating mental health prevention with
existing substance abuse programs, Hawaii can build a more holistic approach to
adolescent well-being.
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Such programs
will not only reduce the long-term social and economic burden of untreated
mental illness but will also foster resilience, emotional intelligence, and
positive life skills in Hawaii's adolescents, creating healthier, more
resilient communities for future generations.
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The
purpose of this Act is to promote a comprehensive, statewide mental health
prevention initiative focused on early intervention, education, and support for
adolescents by appropriating funds for the department of health to contract
with community-based organizations to provide preventive and early intervention
mental health services to adolescents within the community.
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SECTION
2.
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(a)
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The department of health may contract with community-based organizations
to provide preventive and early intervention mental health services to
adolescents within the community, including services within schools, to help
adolescents develop healthy coping mechanisms, prevent substance abuse, and
address mental health concerns early on.
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(b)
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The department of health shall submit a
report to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of
the regular session of
2027.
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The report shall include but not be limited
to:
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(1)
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The manner in which funds appropriated
pursuant to this Act have been expended;
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(2)
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The service providers that have received
funding pursuant to this Act;
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(3)
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The number of persons served and a description
of the services provided;
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(4)
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Any measurable outcomes; and
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(5)
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Any proposed legislation.
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SECTION
3.
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There is appropriated out of the
general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $3,000,000 or so much
thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the department of
health to contract with community-based organizations to provide preventive and
early intervention mental health services to adolescents within the community.
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The sum
appropriated shall be expended by the department of health for the purposes of
this Act.
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SECTION 4.
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This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2026.
INTRODUCED BY:
_____________________________
Report Title:
DOH; Adolescent
Mental Health Services; Community-Based Organizations; Prevention; Early
Intervention; Report; Appropriation
Description:
Appropriates
funds to the Department of Health to contract with community-based
organizations to provide preventive and early intervention mental health
services to adolescents within the community
.
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Requires a report to the Legislature.
The summary description
of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is
not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.