Makes a grant to Aloha United Way for 211 telephone service.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

SECTION 1. Aloha United Way 211 is a 24/7 information and referral service that is available statewide. Dialing 2-1-1 immediately provides callers access to a specialist, who directs callers to more than four thousand programs and services as appropriate to their needs. Although the 2—1-1 program is operating, public awareness is limited and services need to be upgraded and expanded.

In July 2000, the Federal Communications Commission assigned easy to use and easy to remember three-digit dialing codes for quick access to community information and referral services (Action by the Commission July 21, 2000, by Third Report and Order and Order on Reconsideration (FCC 00-256 / FCC 00-257). The easy to remember 211 dialing code will provide direct access to organizations providing community information and referral services, such as housing and rental assistance, legal assistance, counseling, and hospice services, that are not currently available through the 911 emergency code.

The 211 number builds efficiencies into the business of community services, including crisis response. In order to expand it outreach, the Aloha United Way will: (1) conduct major public awareness campaigns, reaching out to the public through employers, schools, and agencies; (2) increase agency participation in the 211 database; and (3) increase 211 center's quality, capacity, and disaster response capabilities, to include technology upgrades, training, and evaluation systems.

The purpose of this Act is to make a grant to the Aloha United Way 211, and require all state and county agencies and private providers of service receiving government contracts to participate in the 211 information system.

SECTION 2. (a) Each state and county agency shall provide information to the Aloha United Way about their programs relating to health and human services for use in the 211 program. The agencies shall update their information promptly.

(b) Every provider of service receiving a contract under chapter 103F, Hawaii Revised Statutes, relating to purchases of health and human services, or a grant or subsidy under chapter 42F, Hawaii Revised Statutes, for health and human services, shall:

SECTION 3. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $200,000, or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2006-2007, as a chapter 42F, Hawaii Revised Statutes, grant to Aloha United Way 211 for its disaster preparedness/public awareness campaign for the 211 program.

SECTION 4. The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of human services for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect upon its approval; provided that sections 3 and 4 shall take effect on July 1, 2006.