Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2003

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Human Services and Housing, to which was referred S.B. No. 870, S.D. 2, entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this bill is to decrease homelessness by appropriating funds for outreach and other services to the homeless.

The City and County of Honolulu Department of Community Services, Kalihi-Palama Health Center, Affordable Housing and Homeless Alliance, Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center, Institute for Human Services, and many concerned individuals testified in support of this measure. The Housing and Community Development Corporation of Hawaii supported the intent of this measure.

Your Committee finds that homelessness in Hawaii is increasing and that the homeless often suffer from conditions such as mental illness or drug addiction. Something needs to be done not only to provide housing for the homeless, but also to solve the underlying problems associated with homelessness.

Your Committee also finds that existing organizations have been successful in providing outreach and other services to the homeless, but that even more outreach and case management services, as well as housing facilities, are required to reach the homeless in Hawaii.

Your Committee believes that a $1,000,000 appropriation would be ideal to make a significant difference in the homeless situation in Hawaii.

Upon further consideration, your Committee has amended this bill by:

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Human Services and Housing that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 870, S.D. 2, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 870, S.D. 2, H.D. 1, and be referred to the Committee on Finance.