HR268.DOC

WHEREAS the State of Hawai`i and its residents are suffering from a significant economic downturn; and,

WHEREAS due to the current state of the economy there is an apparent lack of availability of affordable housing in the State; and,

WHEREAS the foreclosures resulting from the housing collapse have further contributed to the growing population of homeless among working individuals; and,

WHEREAS these individuals, while struggling to hold their lives together and keep their jobs, are faced with instability and the dangers of sleeping in their vehicles on the streets; and,

WHEREAS the State has a vast inventory of parking spaces and is asked to avail their parking lots from 8 pm to 6 am for the working homeless who reside in their vehicles; and,

WHEREAS this will greatly benefit the working homeless by providing safety and access to services; and,

WHEREAS a myriad of other States, Cities, Churches, and other organizations in the State of California, Oregon, and Texas, to name a few, have already adopted this practice with great success in helping these working individuals; and,

WHEREAS the Country of Kauai is now launching this program; and,

WHEREAS, the previous Queen Lilioukalani School, 3633 Waialae Avenue, Honolulu has been scheduled to be closed, and its highest and best use, for a temporary period of time, would be as a temporary homeless parking lot and safe haven; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED that the House of Representatives of the Twenty-Sixth Legislature of the State of Hawaii, 2011 Regular Session, urge the State of Hawai`i to open up the the previous Queen Lilioukalani School, 3633 Waialae Avenue, Honolulu, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. to serve as nighttime parking for working homeless individuals;

; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that rulemaking authority for this program should remain with the State of Hawaii; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the intention of this resolution is for a temporary solution, until adequate permanent affordable housing solutions are found; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the number of vehicles allowed in this parking lot be determined by the participating agency; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that restrooms will be provided for by the participating agency, a non-profit organization or through a grant from a private business; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Honorable Neil Abercrombie, Governor of the State of Hawai`i, and the Director of the State of Hawai`i Department of Human Services, the Director of the State of Hawai`i Department of Education and the Chair and members of the Board of Education.

OFFERED BY:

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Report Title:

Temporary nighttime parking, previous Queen Lilioukalani School

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.R. NO.	268
TWENTY-SIXTH LEGISLATURE, 2011
STATE OF HAWAII