The state's first statewide suicide prevention conference is set for this week in Waikiki.

The conference, "Building a Safety Net — Getting Connected for Suicide Prevention," is set for Thursday and Friday at the Hilton Waikiki Prince Kuhio Hotel. It is part of an ongoing effort to address a major public health challenge in the state.

One person dies by suicide every three days in Hawai'i. The state also has the second highest percentage of high school students who said they had attempted suicide, among 39 states that report the data, the state Health Department said.

The conference will feature local and national experts, state officials and firsthand accounts. Cost is $85 for one day, $150 for both days. More information on the conference is available at www.hawaii.gov/health.