STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1451

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    H.B. No. 1364

       H.D. 2

       S.D. 1

Honorable Colleen Hanabusa

President of the Senate

Twenty-Fourth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2007

State of Hawaii

Madam:

     Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred H.B. No. 1364, H.D. 2, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE STATE RENT SUPPLEMENT PROGRAM,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to broaden the eligibility standards for the state Rent Supplement Program.

     Specifically, the measure:

     (1)  Removes statutory limitations on rent subsidy amounts;

     (2)  Increases program income participation limits from fifty per cent to ninety-five per cent of area median income; and

     (3)  Allows certain individuals and families living in transitional shelters to be placed on the program's wait list.

     Your Committee received comments in support of this measure from the Hawaii Public Housing Authority, the Hawaii Family Forum and Roman Catholic Church, and Partners in Care.

     Your Committee finds that this measure will ensure that an estimated one hundred fifty households will become eligible for the state Rent Supplement Program.  The measure will also provide assistance to "gap group" families, as well as keep those families already receiving assistance from being terminated because of increased incomes.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1364, H.D. 2, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,

____________________________

ROSALYN H. BAKER, Chair