STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2999

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    H.B. No. 2318

       H.D. 2

       S.D. 1

Honorable Colleen Hanabusa

President of the Senate

Twenty-Fifth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2010

State of Hawaii

Madam:

     Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred H.B. No. 2318, H.D. 2, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE HOMELESS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to assist homeless individuals.

Specifically, this measure establishes a housing first special fund, into which each county may provide matching funds, to provide housing first programs and services for the chronically homeless.  The measure authorizes the Hawaii Public Housing Authority to implement housing first programs and services for clientele who would most likely benefit and succeed from such programs and services, subject to the availability of existing funds or housing first special fund moneys.  The Hawaii Public Housing Authority, in collaboration with the Department of Human Services, may contract with housing first consultants.  The measure takes effect on July 1, 2020.

     Written comments presented to the Committee may be reviewed on the Legislature's website.

     Your Committee finds that the growing problem of homelessness in Hawaii warrants the consideration of Housing First as an alternative to transitional housing and emergency shelters to combat chronic homelessness in the State.

     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. 2318, 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,

____________________________

DONNA MERCADO KIM, Chair