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THE SENATE |
S.C.R. NO. |
154 |
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TWENTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2005 |
S.D. 1 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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RESOLUTION
requesting the department of human services, in partnership with the city and county of honolulu and community partners, to pilot transitional housing options for homeless families, couples, and individuals.
WHEREAS, homelessness is a continuing and increasing social problem and the demand for homeless shelters far exceeds the supply; and
WHEREAS, it is in the interest of the people of Hawaii that homeless persons do not take up residence in public parks or on public beaches; and
WHEREAS, in the face of the very few options available to the homeless, viable alternatives need to be explored to fill an urgent need for homeless shelters and to increase alternative options for short–term solutions on homeless accommodations; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Twenty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2005, the House of Representatives concurring, that the Department of Human Services, in partnership with the City and County of Honolulu and community partners, pilot transitional housing options for homeless families, couples, and individuals; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the abovementioned groups are requested to examine in their study:
(1) Possible locations in the City and County of Honolulu -- preferably abandoned or vacant agricultural land, unused government facilities, or abandoned military installations -- at least one mile from any residential community;
(2) The pros and cons of various types of tents or other suitable accommodations;
(3) The need for and type of rules by which to regulate residents' conduct and activities;
(4) The need for and type of policing authority required in enforcing the rules;
(5) The need for and type of penalties for rule violations;
(6) Provision of on-site sanitary facilities such as showers and latrines;
(7) Provision of on-site alcohol and drug treatment programs;
(8) Provision of on-site job-training programs;
(9) Provision of bus stops near the facilities; and
(10) Associated capital and maintenance costs; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that if other counties express interest in piloting transitional housing options that the Department of Human Services may partner with the respective county and community partners as well; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Director of Human Services is requested to submit findings and recommendations to the Legislature, including any necessary proposed legislation, no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2006; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the Directors of Human Services, Finance, Health, Labor and Industrial Relations, and Transportation; the Comptroller; the Chairperson of the Board of Agriculture; the Superintendent of Education; the Adjutant General; the Chairperson of the Board of Land and Natural Resources; the Chairperson of the Hawaiian Homes Commission; the Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs; Partners in Care; Inter-Agency Council on Homelessness; the Governor; and the Mayors and Chairpersons of the Councils of the respective counties.
Report Title:
DHS Study Tent Cities for Homeless