2019-02-20 Letter to Donovan M. Dela Cruz and Gilbert S.C. Keith-Agaran SB 226, SD 1 Relating to Suicide Prevention

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Harry Kim Mayor County of Hawaii Office of the Mayor Wil Okabe Managing Director Barbara J. Kossow Deputy Managing Director 25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2603 • Hilo, Hawaii 96720 • (808) 961-8211 • Fax (808) 961-6553 KONA: 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy., Bldg C • Kailua-Kona, Hawai'i 96740 (808) 323-4444 • Fax (808) 323-4440 February 20, 2019 Senator Donovan M. Dela Cruz, Chair Committee on Ways and Means Senator Gilbert S.C. Keith-Agaran, Vice Chair Committee on Ways and Means Dear Chair Dela Cruz, Vice Chair Kieth-Agaran, and Committee Members: RE: SB 226, SD1 Relating to Suicide Prevention SB 226 sent me to Google to better understand the need for youth suicide early intervention, prevention, and education programs. The statistics are enough to explain the importance of this bill. Suicide deaths in Hawaii County, according to our Hawaii State Department of Health, average 20.4 deaths per 100,000 population, compared to a national average of about 13 deaths per 100,000. When it comes to youth age 15-19, the number is even higher -26.4 per 100,000; and for young adults aged 20-24, higher still -37.9 per 100,000. Every one of these deaths is preventable, and if we have the expertise to offer programs that can reach these young people and suggest different paths forward for them, it seems we owe it to them, and to their families, friends, and loved ones, to make the effort. I hope you will act favorably on SB 226, SD1. Respectfully Submitted, Harry Kim MAYOR County of Hawai`i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.