Urging the establishment of a statewide peer counselor program in Hawaii's schools to address youth loneliness and social disconnection.

This resolution urges the Department of Education, Department of Health, and Office of Wellness and Resilience to create a statewide peer counselor program for high school students. The program aims to tackle youth loneliness and social disconnection through peer relationships, trust-building exercises, and culturally responsive approaches. Student peer counselors will receive standardized training in active listening, ethical boundaries, trauma-informed practices, and cultural responsiveness, and will serve as points of connection within their school communities.

Urging the establishment of a statewide peer counselor program in Hawaii's schools to address youth loneliness and social disconnection.

This resolution urges the Department of Education, Department of Health, and Office of Wellness and Resilience to create a statewide peer counselor program for high school students. The program aims to tackle youth loneliness and social disconnection through peer relationships, trust-building exercises, and culturally responsive approaches. Student peer counselors will receive standardized training in active listening, ethical boundaries, trauma-informed practices, and cultural responsiveness, and will serve as points of connection within their school communities.