Hawai‘i is making strides towards becoming a more trauma-informed state, with a particular focus on its state employees. The Office of Wellness and Resilience (OWR) recently introduced a new Learning and Leadership Collaborative during Kūpa‘a Maoli Ola, Hawai‘i’s Wellness and Resilience Summit, as reported by the Governor's Office. Welcoming over 175 state workers to the event in Kāne‘ohe, Governor Green pointed out the value and necessity of adopting a trauma-informed approach, not just for service provision but in shaping a healthier workplace culture.
The initiative includes Hawai‘i’s first certification in Trauma-Informed Care. This training comprises an eight-module course spanning from an introduction to trauma and resilience to specific principles of applying trauma-informed methods within the work environment. Employees will undergo a mix of in-person and asynchronous video modules, ready to be accessed via the DHRD training website set to launch in early 2026. According to the information provided by the Governor's Office, these efforts contribute to making the state a better employer and service provider.
One key feature of the program is that, once the modules are completed, trainees will join a cohort community. This community will span across various state departments, where they are promised further education from leading experts and support in meeting both individual and organizational resilience goals. The program goes beyond basic training, with a 'Train-the-Trainer' session slated for late 2026 aimed at equipping designated employees to foster trauma-informed workspaces more broadly. The overarching goal is for all state employees, particularly those in public service, to attain certification as trauma-informed care professionals.
Gov. Green expressed his hope for the future of this initiative. “This is just the beginning. I’m looking forward to working with OWR Director Tia Hartsock and her team on the next chapter of this work, which is how we prevent and lessen the health effects of childhood trauma,” he said. The motivation behind these efforts is clear: the worsened well-being of the community and significant financial costs to the healthcare system, which are "currently upwards of $40 billion per year," a figure that stresses the dire need for preventive measures, as noted by the Governor's Office.
Individuals interested in discovering more about the Trauma-Informed Care certification program or the Learning and Leadership Collaborative can visit the official OWR website for further details.
