What's Being Discussed

The Planning and Performance Committee of the State Council on Mental Health is holding a one-hour meeting on August 5, 2026, from 10:00 to 11:00 AM. The meeting is available both in person in Pearl City and via Zoom. Two main topics are on the agenda:

• The Council's role and responsibilities: Members will review what the State Council on Mental Health is required to do under federal guidance from SAMHSA (the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration).
• FY 2027 Mental Health Block Grant Mini-Application: Members will review a summary of the federal funding application for mental health services. This application determines how Hawaii requests and uses federal block grant money for mental health programs.

Decisions Expected

• The committee is expected to develop recommendations on the FY 2027 Mental Health Block Grant Mini-Application to present to the full State Council on Mental Health for final approval.
• No final votes are anticipated at this committee level — the full Council will make the ultimate decision.

Who Should Pay Attention

• Hawaii residents who rely on or work in mental health services, since this application affects the availability of federally funded mental health programs statewide.
• Mental health advocates and service providers who want to understand how state leadership plans to use federal funding.
• Community members who wish to provide input — written or oral testimony is welcome, with oral comments limited to three minutes per person per agenda item.

Written testimony can be emailed to doh.scmhchairperson@doh.hawaii.gov. Accommodation requests for disabilities should be directed to (808) 596-4400.