STAND. COM. REP. NO. 847-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2026

RE: H.B. No. 1562

H.D. 1

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Madame:

Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred H.B. No. 1562, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to:

(1) Require the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Division of the Department of Health to implement and administer a one-year Digital Youth Mental Health Platform Pilot Project;

(2) Require the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Division to report to the Legislature on the pilot project; and

(3) Appropriate funds for the pilot project.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Health; State Council on Mental Health; Hawaiʻi State Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer Plus Commission; Hawaiʻi Public Health Institute; Hawaii Medical Association; HI H.O.P.E.S. Initiative at EPIC ʻOhana; Catholic Charities Hawaiʻi; Hawaiʻi Community Foundation; and two individuals. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the State Procurement Office and Hawaii Substance Abuse Coalition.

Your Committee requests consideration that the digital platform to be operated pursuant to this measure be developed with attention to equity and inclusivity of its users and their specific needs.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Finance that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1562, H.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Finance,

____________________________

CHRIS TODD, Chair