STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2000

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: H.C.R. No. 96

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Higher Education, to which was referred H.C.R. No. 96 entitled:

"HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION ENCOURAGING THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII TO EVALUATE AND EXPAND ITS CURRENT MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES FOR STUDENTS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to encourage the University of Hawaii to evaluate and expand its current mental health services for students.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from one individual.

Your Committee received comments on this measure from the University of Hawaiʻi System.

Your Committee finds that the mental health and well-being of students is paramount to academic success and the overall campus climate. Your Committee further finds that the University of Hawaii plays a critical role in fostering an environment where students can access comprehensive mental health support. Recent assessments and feedback indicate an increased demand for mental health services for students, highlighting the need for additional qualified mental health professionals on University of Hawaii campuses. Accordingly, this measure encourages the University of Hawaii to invest in additional mental health resources to contribute to improved academic performance, enhanced student retention, and a more supportive educational environment, leading to the development of a resilient future workforce.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Higher Education that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of H.C.R. No. 96, and recommends its adoption.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Higher Education,

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DONNA MERCADO KIM, Chair