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Committee backs phased statewide peer‑counselor program to address youth loneliness
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Summary
HCR 102/HR 94 urging DOE, DOH and the Office of Wellness and Resilience to develop a standardized but locally responsive peer‑counselor program was passed with HD1; the committee added language recommending a phased pilot approach and required DOE to collaborate with partner agencies on implementation.
The House Committee on Education voted to advance HCR 102/HR 94 and adopted an HD1 recommending a phased approach to piloting a statewide peer‑counselor program to address youth loneliness and social disconnection.
Naomi Lightbould of the Office of Wellness and Resilience and representatives of the Hawaii State Youth Commission urged a standardized program that remains locally responsive, calling for training in active listening, trauma‑informed practices, ethical boundaries and cultural responsiveness. Testimony emphasized that students are often more likely to confide in peers and that involving youth voice in program development and evaluation strengthens outcomes.
DOE supported the intent and DOE’s suggested language — accepted by the committee — recommends beginning with pilot peer‑counselor programs before statewide rollout. The HD1 amended the title and be‑it‑further resolved clauses to include DOE collaboration with DOH and the Office of Wellness and Resilience and to recommend phased implementation.
Next steps: DOE, DOH and the Office of Wellness and Resilience will collaborate on pilot design and reporting; funding and specific operational details will be subject to future planning and appropriation.
