HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	696
TWENTY-NINTH LEGISLATURE, 2017
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to health.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  The legislature recognizes that every two days, one person in Hawaii falls victim to suicide.  The legislature further recognizes that, during the five-year period between 2010 and 2014, suicide accounted for more than one out of every four fatal injuries in Hawaii, outpacing motor vehicle collisions, homicide, unintentional poisoning, and drowning to rank as the most common cause of fatal injury.  During this time, suicide was also the leading cause of injury-related death among most age groups except the very young and the elderly.

     The purpose of this Act is to designate the month of September as "Suicide Prevention Awareness Month" to increase the public's awareness of suicide prevention education, resources, and support available to individuals, families, and communities in Hawaii.

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 8, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§8-   Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month. The month of September shall be known and designated as "Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month".  This month is not and shall not be construed as a state holiday."

     SECTION 3.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month; September

Description:

Designates the month of September of each year as Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month.

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