THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	2568
TWENTY-SIXTH LEGISLATURE, 2012
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to the homeless.

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

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that according to a 2010 report, some 13,886 adults and children in Hawaii experienced homelessness.  This represents a three per cent increase from a year ago.

     The legislature further finds that in its first large-scale application of a new ordinance barring people from storing tents, furniture, clothing, and other personal items in public areas, city and county of Honolulu officials have issued written notices to numerous homeless individuals and families.  This leaves many homeless people with no choice but to comply, and many do not know where to go next.

     The purpose of this Act is to require counties to inform homeless individuals and families of temporary emergency shelter options if removed from public property.

     SECTION 2.  Section 346-375, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:

"[[]§346-375[]]  Temporary emergency shelter.  (a)  In addition to any other duties prescribed by law, the department shall develop, in consultation with the four counties, a procedure for identifying locations that shall be used for temporary emergency shelters for homeless individuals and families.  The department shall actively partner with and monitor the efforts of the counties.

     (b)  Each county shall be responsible for partnering with nonprofit organizations to locate, designate, and maintain the areas that shall be used for temporary emergency shelters.  The designated locations may include private, county, state, and federal lands.

(c)  Each county shall be responsible for partnering with nonprofit organizations to provide information on and access to temporary emergency shelters if the county relocates homeless individuals and families from public property."

     SECTION 3.  Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

Temporary Emergency Shelters; Homeless; Counties

Description:

Requires counties to provide information on and access to temporary emergency shelters to homeless individuals and families upon removing them from public property.

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.