STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1473-22

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2022

RE: H.C.R. No. 67

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2022

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Pandemic & Disaster Preparedness, to which was referred H.C.R. No. 67 entitled:

"HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES TO WORK WITH THE YMCA OF HONOLULU TO SUPPORT THE MENTAL WELLNESS OF THE STATE'S YOUTH,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to urge the Department of Health and Department of Human Services to work with the YMCA of Honolulu to support the mental wellness of the State's youth.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Stonewall Caucus of the Democratic Party of Hawaii, YMCA of Honolulu, and two individuals. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Human Services.

Your Committee finds that mental health experts from across the country expressed concern regarding the effects of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic on the mental health of youth. Your Committee further finds that depression and anxiety has doubled during the pandemic, while negative emotions and behaviors have moderately increased. Your Committee also finds that community organizations, such as the YMCA, play an important role in promoting healthy development and supporting youth in the State. This measure urges the Department of Health and Department of Human Services to work with the YMCA of Honolulu to create a statewide program that addresses the increase in mental distress of the State's youth caused by the pandemic, thereby ensuring the mental wellness of youth in the State.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Pandemic & Disaster Preparedness that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of H.C.R. No. 67 and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Health, Human Services, & Homelessness.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Pandemic & Disaster Preparedness,

____________________________

LINDA ICHIYAMA, Chair