Emergency appropriation for 2005 - 2006 ($4, 724, 703) general FY funds. Authorizes an increase in the expenditure ceiling of the Mental Health and Substance Abuse Special Fund by an additional $6, 148, 944 to DOH, adult mental health division, for ongoing services provided at Hawaii State Hospital and community-based services.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

SECTION 1. This Act is recommended by the governor for immediate passage in accordance with section 9 of article VII of the Constitution of the State of Hawaii.

SECTION 2. Although funds were appropriated to the department of health for adult mental health services for the fiscal period beginning July 1, 2005, and ending June 30, 2006, a critical funding emergency now exists. The program will expend all appropriated funds before the end of the current fiscal year, and the department will be unable to meet its obligation to provide services to certain adults with severe mental illness. The primary reason for this financial situation is the need to continue existing services and implement additional services and activities to comply with the requirements of the settlement agreement and subsequent orders in United States v. State of Hawaii, Civil Number 91-00137 (DAE KSC).

The purpose of this Act is to appropriate or authorize moneys to address expenses related to the ongoing operations at Hawaii state hospital, to provide community-based services necessary to reduce the census at the Hawaii state hospital, and to address expenses relating to those individuals who have already been placed in community-based services.

SECTION 3. There is appropriated out of the mental health and substance abuse special fund the sum of $6,148,944, or so much thereof as may be necessary, for fiscal year 2005-2006. This amount is to be used to sustain ongoing operation, services, and activities for patients of Hawaii state hospital, to provide community-based services necessary to reduce the census at the Hawaii state hospital, and to address expenses relating to those individuals who have already been placed in community-based services.

SECTION 4. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $4,724,703 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2005-2006 to be used to sustain ongoing operation, services, and activities for patients of Hawaii state hospital, to provide community-based services necessary to reduce the census at the Hawaii state hospital, and to address expenses relating to those individuals who have already been placed in community-based services.

SECTION 5. The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of health for the purposes of this Act.