HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	1691
THIRTIETH LEGISLATURE, 2020
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 finds that, according to data from the Prevent Suicide Hawai‘i Taskforce Report to the Hawaii State Legislature submitted on December 28, 2017, every two days one person in Hawaii falls victim to suicide. In 2019, the department of health announced that for a five-year period from 2013 to 2017, suicide was the most common cause of fatal injuries among Hawaii residents, accounting for twenty-five per cent of all fatal injuries and claiming more victims than motor vehicle collisions, homicides, unintentional poisoning, and drowning. The first goal and objective of the Hawai‘i Suicide Prevention Strategic Plan is to increase awareness and communication about suicide as a preventable public health problem.

The purpose of this Act is to designate the month of September as "Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month" to increase public 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; Designated

Description:

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

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