Urging West Virginia’s members of Congress to ask the President not to cut funding for the Local Food in Schools and Child Care nutrition

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Ray Canterbury

The measure directs UH to evaluate and expand student mental health services, hire more staff, extend hours, improve crisis response, and report progress to the Legislature.

House received Senate message

Overview

HCR96 is a concurrent resolution in Hawaii's 33rd Legislature urging the University of Hawaii (UH) system to evaluate and expand its mental health services for students. The measure is non-binding and serves as a policy directive that encourages UH to enhance access, capacity, and responsiveness of its student mental health programs. The resolution was adopted in final form and transmitted to the House after passage through the Senate.

Bill type: Concurrent resolution

Introduced: March 4, 2025

Final status: Adopted in both chambers and transmitted to the House (final form adopted April 25, 2025)

Related bills: SCR 18 (companion in the Senate), HR 92 (companion in the House)

Purpose and Intent

Acknowledges the essential role of student mental health in academic success, campus climate, and retention.

Recognizes increasing demand for mental health services on UH campuses and the need for more qualified professionals.

Seeks to align UH’s mental health resources with the State’s commitment to resident well-being and developing a resilient future workforce.

Key Provisions and Focus Areas

HCR96, through its “Be It Resolved” statements, directs UH to:
- Evaluate and expand existing mental health services for students.
- Hire additional mental health professionals and support staff to ensure adequate resources for a growing student body.
- Enhance accessibility and scope of programs by:
- Extending counseling hours
- Improving crisis response
- Implementing proactive outreach initiatives to support academic and personal success
- Provide periodic updates to the Legislature on efforts and new enhancements, including concrete data on enhancements to support structures.
- Transmit certified copies of the resolution to UH’s President and the Chair of the Board of Regents to ensure awareness and accountability within the university’s governance.

Who Is Affected

Primary: University of Hawaii system and its campuses

Direct beneficiaries: UH students who rely on counseling, crisis intervention, preventive care, and related mental health supports

Indirect beneficiaries: UH faculty, staff, and the broader campus community through a strengthened support environment

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Referred through multiple committees during the 2025 session (including committees focused on higher education, health, and related policy areas).

Public hearings and committee votes occurred, with favorable recommendations and final adoption in both chambers.

Final form adopted on April 25, 2025; transmitted to the House for consideration.

Provides a framework for ongoing accountability through regular legislative updates on UH’s progress.

Impact and Limitations

The resolution is non-binding and does not authorize funding. It chiefly directs UH to assess and expand services and report back to the Legislature.

Expected impact, if followed, includes improved access to mental health resources, extended counseling availability, stronger crisis response, and proactive student outreach.

Outcomes depend on UH’s strategic decisions, resource allocation, and potential state or internal funding opportunities.

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