#mental health
Keiki events connect community during time of continuing need
Staff from Maui Behavioral Health Resources participated in a Summer ʻOhana Fun event on Friday, June 13 to bring fun, healing and mental health awareness to the communities of Ka Laʻi Ola and Kilohana in Lahaina.
County solicits applications for FY2026 community-based mental health programs
The County of Maui Department of Human Concerns is soliciting grant proposals for mental health programs to support community-based initiatives in areas impacted by the August 2023 Maui wildfires in Lahaina and Kula.
Kaiser Permanente expands access to health services for Hawaiʻi’s youth
Kaiser Permanente Hawaiʻi has awarded grants totaling $60,000 to two local nonprofits dedicated to supporting the emotional, mental, and social well-being of vulnerable youth and their families in Hawaiʻi. The YMCA of Honolulu received $30,000, and Kids Hurt Too Hawaiʻi received $30,000.
Hawaiʻi’s health perceptions declining: New survey reveals widening disparities
Hawaiʻi residents are reporting a decline in their own health outlook and face escalating barriers to care, according to a new statewide survey released today. The University of Hawaiʻi Economic Research Organization’s Rapid Health Survey reveals widening healthcare disparities are disproportionately affecting Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, and low-income communities across the islands.
Hirono, Chu introduce bills to address mental health in AANHPI communities
US Sen. Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and US Rep. Judy Chu (D-CA) reintroduced a package of bills focused on mental health awareness for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities in observance of May as National Mental Health Awareness Month and AANHPI Heritage Month.
Maui Flow Fest 2025 set to become the largest teen mental health & wellness event in Hawaiʻi
The Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa will be transformed into a powerful hub of healing, celebration, and connection for over 1,000 teens from across Maui, Lāna‘i and Moloka‘i this Saturday, May 10, 2025.
Hawaiʻi health measures up for final passage on the House floor
“These bills address urgent health needs in our community — from mental health to medical cannabis access, and care for those with disabilities,” said House Committee on Health Chair Gregg Takayama.
Coalition urges Hawaiʻi lawmakers to invest in public safety alternatives
The Reimagining Public Safety in Hawai‘i Coalition is calling on state legislators to shift funding toward community-based solutions rather than incarceration.
Winter 2024 Hawai‘i Perspectives Report identifies cost of living as top concern
Home ownership feels out of reach for 72% of renters who would like to purchase a home in the future, but high costs and limited availability continue to pose barriers.
Proposals sought for mental health support for children impacted by the Maui wildfires
Maui United Way announced the release of a Request for Proposals for the second year of its Sentry Mālama Nā Keiki Initiative. This program focuses on providing critical mental health support for children and adolescents affected by the 2023 Maui wildfires.
Bipartisan bill proposes setting social media age minimum at 13
US Sens. Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), and Katie Britt (R-Ala.) have introduced bipartisan legislation aimed at protecting children from the harmful effects of social media.
Maui Strong Fund awards over $2M to support mental health
The Hawai‘i Community Foundation is awarding over $2 million dollars in Maui Strong Fund grants to 24 nonprofit partners providing culturally relevant and holistic mental health resources to families, individuals, and youth affected by the Maui wildfires. The nonprofit partners will use the funds to provide a broad range of services including art therapies, trauma-informed workshops, Hawaiian language and cultural immersion education, and peer-to-peer mental health support for youth.
Hawaiʻi’s suicide helpline struggles to meet demand after Maui wildfire
A surge of calls to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline one year after the Lahaina wildfires underscores urgent need for expanded Hawaiʻi-based mental health support services. However, limited local resources have caused many calls to be rerouted to out-of-state services, exposing critical gaps in local mental health infrastructure, according to the University of Hawaiʻi. These findings were published in JAMA Network Open on Nov. 20.
Pacific Permanente Group’s Dr. Fatima Imara honored as Hawaiʻi Physician of the Year
Pacific Permanente Group psychiatrist Fatima Imara, MD was recently named the Healthcare Association of Hawaiʻi’s Physician of the Year for 2024. This peer award recognizes Imara’s contributions to behavioral health care and her compassionate service to the Maui community, particularly during the aftermath of the Maui wildfires, according to an announcement.
Rotary Satellite Club of Kīhei-Wailea to host Dr. Justin Feinstein of Maui Calm Project
The Rotary Satellite Club of Kīhei-Wailea will hear from Dr. Justin Feinstein with the Maui Calm Project on Tuesday, Sept. 17 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. He will be discussing Maui’s mental health crisis and an innovative emergency response that his nonprofit has been working on bringing to the island.
Hawaiʻi Attorney General Anne Lopez joins multi-state coalition urging Surgeon General warning on social media platforms
Hawaiʻi Attorney General Anne Lopez and 41 other attorneys general today jointly called on congressional lawmakers to pass legislation requiring a US Surgeon General warning on all algorithm-driven social media platforms. The letter comes amid growing scrutiny of social media companies for their role in generational harm to young people’s mental health.
Hawaiʻi DOE launches new mental health resource for families and staff
The Hawaiʻi State Department of Education, in partnership with the Cook Center for Human Connection, a national non-profit family foundation, announced Friday that it will be providing families and staff statewide with access to ParentGuidance.org, a 24/7 online platform that offers parents and staff with resources and support for student mental health.
‘Some things you just live with’: One year after Lahaina fire, community grapples with loss, uncertainty
“It’s going to be a long process,” said Kā‘eo Blas, reflecting on one year since a fire burned down his home and much of Lahaina town. “Sometimes you think it gets better but it’s always there. It’s like losing somebody you love. You still get the memories, they’re still in your heart, but they’re not there. It’s not the same.”
Rotary awards $50,000 to ArtCentered as part of Maui Fires Relief
The primary objective of ArtCentered is to offer consistent and compassionate art therapy services to fire survivors and the community at large. The positive impact of art on mental health has been evident at their locations, including Honokōwai Beach Park and Royal Lahaina Resort, according to organizers.
Green signs 22 bills for Hawaiʻi’s heath care, community systems and health care workforce development into law
Gov. Josh Green, M.D., on Thursday signed 22 pieces of legislation into law related to Hawaiʻi’s health care industry, community support systems, and health care workforce development.