RELATING TO YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH.

SB2679

THE SENATE

S.B. NO.

2679

THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026

STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating
to youth 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, according to
a ten‑year study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
nearly all indicators of children and adolescent mental health worsened between
2013 and 2023.
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Disasters like the coronavirus
2019 pandemic and the Maui wildfires in August 2023 have increased rates of
depression and anxiety in the State's youth.

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The
legislature further finds that prevention activities related to the promotion
of mental health, such as early intervention, mental health education, and
coping strategies, are critical to preventing the escalation of mental health
disorders in the State's communities, potentially reducing the need for more
intensive services in the future.

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Digital
platforms that can be accessed with mobile devices can provide a powerful
public health service, especially for youth, by:

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(1)
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Expanding the reach of mental health education
and prevention by making it more convenient and inclusive, especially for
children and adolescents in remote or underserved areas where in-person
programs may be limited;

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(2)
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Reducing stigma by making it easier for youth
to explore resources without fear of judgment;

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(3)
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Enhancing engagement and interactivity by
allowing youth to guide their own learning;

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(4)
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Tailoring content to the needs of the user;

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(5)
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Providing a cost-effective way to reach a
large audience;

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(6)
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Addressing lower-level needs so the behavioral
health workforce, which is scarce, can focus on youth with the highest level of
need;

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(7)
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Providing information that is continuously
updated to reflect the latest research and resources; and

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(8)
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Collecting critical data about community
mental health needs.

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Accordingly,
the purpose of this Act is to establish and appropriate funds for a digital youth
mental health platform pilot project that will enable the child and adolescent
mental health division of the department of health to develop and make publicly
available a digital platform designed to help young people address and manage
mental health challenges.

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SECTION 2.

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(a)
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The child and adolescent mental health
division of the department of health shall implement and administer a digital youth
mental health platform pilot project.
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The
pilot project shall commence on July 1, 2026, and end on June 30, 2027.

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(b)
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Under the pilot project, the child and adolescent
mental health division shall contract for the following services:

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(1)
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Development, management, and hosting services
for the digital youth mental health platform.
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The child and adolescent mental health division
shall oversee the development of the platform that is evidence-based,
peer-reviewed, confidential, and responsive.
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The platform shall provide:

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(A)
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County specific resources;

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(B)
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Mental health education;

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(C)
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Self-care strategies;

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(D)
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Healthy coping strategies; and

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(E)
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Data regarding mental health needs in the
State
; and

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(2)
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Communication and marketing services.
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The child and adolescent mental health division
shall manage the communications and marketing services, which include:

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(A)
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Development of a communications and marketing plan;

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(B)
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Creation of ad campaign materials inclusive of
print, radio, digital, and television ads and the respective media buys;

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(C)
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Planning and management of community and
outreach events; and

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(D)
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Social media campaign and management.

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(c)
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Procurement for development, management, and hosting services and
communication and marketing services for the purposes of this Act shall be
exempt from
chapters 103D and
103F, Hawaii Revised Statutes
.

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(d)
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The
child and adolescent mental health division
shall submit a report of its
findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation,
regarding the
digital youth
mental health platform pilot project to the legislature no later than twenty
days prior to the convening of the regular session of
2027.

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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 $300,000 or so much thereof as may
be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the implementation and
administration of the digital youth mental health platform pilot project.

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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:

Keiki Caucus; DOH; Child and Adolescent Mental Health
Division; Digital Youth Mental Health Platform Pilot Project; Report;
Appropriation

Description:

Establishes and appropriates funds for a one-year Digital Youth
Mental Health Platform Pilot Project that will enable the Child and Adolescent
Mental Health Division of the Department of Health to develop and make publicly
available a digital platform designed to help young people address and manage
mental health challenges.
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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.