Hawaiʻi Lawmakers Propose Online Mental Health Platform for Youth

Jan 30, 2026, 2:35 AM

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Lawmakers in Hawaiʻi are deliberating a bill that aims to establish a centralized online platform to provide mental health resources for keiki, or youth. This initiative seeks to address a growing mental health crisis among young people in the state, which has intensified due to factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the devastating Lahaina wildfire.

The proposed bill is part of the 2026 Keiki Caucus Bill Package, which encompasses five essential measures focused on the health and welfare of Hawaiʻi's youth. Among these, the mental health digital platform aims to create a safe space where young individuals can access educational modules, outreach opportunities, and county-specific resources to better manage their mental health needs.

Patricia Chin, the statewide initiative manager with the HI Hopes Initiative, expressed the necessity of this platform, highlighting the stigma surrounding mental health that often prevents youth from seeking help. "For me, it's more than just a platform. It's the ability for a young person to get access to resources and services that are necessary for them to not feel so alone," she stated.

The bill proposes a one-year pilot program, set to run from July to June of the following year. It mandates the Department of Health's Child and Adolescent Mental Health Division to create a platform that includes mental health education, self-care strategies, and data on statewide mental health needs.

Keli Acquaro, the administrator of the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Division, noted that the rise of artificial intelligence and chatbots has underscored the importance of a trusted online resource. "Keiki are a special population, and it's not a one-size-fits-all thing," Acquaro remarked, emphasizing the need for a platform that addresses the unique mental health challenges faced by young people without the fear of judgment.

The bill's introduction comes at a time when youth mental health is a top priority among community advocates. Judith Clark of the Hawaiʻi Youth Services Network pointed out that the proposed digital platform is designed to provide vetted and appropriate information to support youth mental health challenges.

The Keiki Caucus, a coalition of legislators and community leaders focused on youth issues, sees this initiative as a critical step toward building supportive systems for Hawaiʻi's youth. "The 2026 Keiki Caucus Bill Package reflects the ongoing collaboration and dedication between youth, community, youth-centered organizations, and legislators to improve the lives of Hawaiʻi's youth," said Senator Karl Rhoads, co-convenor of the caucus.

As the bill moves forward, it will next be reviewed by the House Committee on Health and Human Services. Advocates hope that approval will lead to a significant enhancement in the mental health resources available to Hawaiʻi's young population.

The introduction of this online mental health platform represents a proactive approach to addressing urgent mental health concerns among keiki in Hawaiʻi, ensuring that they have access to necessary resources in a non-threatening environment.

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