STAND. COM. REP. NO.  416

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2007

RE:   H.B. No. 1043

      H.D. 1

Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Fourth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2007

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Human Services & Housing, to which was referred H.B. No. 1043 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO CHILDREN,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this bill is to minimize the negative impact of homelessness by:

     (1)  Establishing a task force to coordinate resources to benefit children who are homeless;

     (2)  Establishing the Kokua Na Keiki Special Fund (Fund) to assist with coordinating homeless services, including the establishment of a homeless coordinator position; and

     (3)  Making appropriations for purposes of the Fund.

     The Department of Education (DOE), Hawaii Family Forum, Roman Catholic Church in the State of Hawaii, Hookakoo Corporation, and a concerned individual testified in support of this bill.  The Hawaii Centers for Independent Living (HCIL) and a concerned individual provided comments.

     Your Committee recognizes the comments and concerns noted in testimony, including the education needs of homeless children.  DOE recommended that this measure should align with federal laws and that the homeless coordinator should serve as a liaison with DOE.  DOE also suggested that the coordinator should be a member of the Hawaii Statewide Interagency Council on Homelessness.  HCIL expressed its concerns about the state's system of services to persons with disabilities and their children and suggested that the task force include an individual who can provide the perspective of parents with disabilities.

     Your Committee has amended this bill by:

     (1)  Adding two members to the task force who are homeless; and

     (2)  Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for clarity, consistency, and style.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Human Services & Housing that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1043, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 1043, H.D. 1, and be referred to the Committee on Finance.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Human Services & Housing,

____________________________

MAILE SHIMABUKURO, Chair