Report Title:

Public Housing; Security

Description:

Appropriates funds for improved security measures at the Mayor Wright homes public housing complex, including the contract hiring of at least three full-time security officers.  Requires a progress report to the Legislature.  (HB320 HD1)

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	320
TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2007		H.D. 1
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO PUBLIC HOUSING.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  Several years ago, when the federal Weed and Seed initiative was in effect at the Mayor Wright homes public housing complex, residents saw a significant change for the better in their neighborhood.  Recently, the complex has been the site of a shooting and other disturbances involving tenants and their neighbors.  There have been several instances of public drunkenness, excessive noise, and conflicts with neighbors.

     The purpose of this Act is to:

     (1)  Appropriate funds for improved security measures at the Mayor Wright homes public housing complex, including the contract hiring of at least three security officers; and

     (2)  Require the Hawaii public housing authority to submit a report to the legislature on the progress of security improvements at Mayor Wright homes.

     SECTION 2.  The Hawaii public housing authority shall submit a report to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the 2008 regular session on the progress of security improvements at Mayor Wright homes.  The report shall include:

     (1)  Steps that have been taken to improve the safety and security of the residents of Mayor Wright homes;

     (2)  Plans made with the management of Mayor Wright homes, tenants, and other stakeholders to further improve security;

     (3)  The amount of additional security guards required to ensure the safety of the tenants and guests of Mayor Wright homes on a twenty-four-hour basis; and

     (4)  Any other findings and recommendations, including suggested legislation, regarding the security situation at Mayor Wright homes.

     SECTION 3.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $        or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2007-2008 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2008-2009 for the contract hiring of at least three full-time security officers at Mayor Wright homes public housing complex.

     The sums appropriated shall be expended by the Hawaii public housing authority for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2007.