HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-03-27 Letter to Donovan Dela Cruz and Gilbert Keith-Agaran HB 330, HD1, SD1 Relating to Suicide Prevention
County of Hawai‘i
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County of Hawai‘i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.
Wil Okabe
Managing Director
Harry Kim
Mayor
Barbara J. Kossow
Deputy Managing Director
March 27, 2019
Senator Donovan Dela Cruz, Chair
Senator Gilbert Keith-Agaran, Vice Chair
Committee on Ways and Means
Dear Chair Dela Cruz, Vice Chair Keith-Agaran, and Committee Members:
RE: HB 330, HD1, SD1 Relating to Suicide Prevention
HB 330, HD1, SD1 sent me researching 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 Hawaiʻi County, according to our Hawaiʻi 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.
My understanding is that statistics for Kauai and Maui are similarly disturbing.
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. In fact, we owe it to ourselves as a just and caring
society.
I hope you will act favorably on HB 330, HD1, SD1, including Kauai and Maui in the proposed
programs.
Respectfully Submitted,
Harry Kim
MAYOR