THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	900
TWENTY-SIXTH LEGISLATURE, 2011		S.D. 2
STATE OF HAWAII		H.D. 1
		PROPOSED

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO HOMELESSNESS.

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

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that in spite of efforts by government and nonprofit organizations to provide overnight shelter to homeless persons, many do not use homeless shelters due to mental illness, drug addiction, an inability to conform to shelter rules, or other reasons.  There are still many homeless persons who sleep in public parks, along sidewalks, and other similar areas, which creates a concern for the State's vital visitor industry.

     The purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds to establish safe havens for persons who are homeless in designated existing parks and open or vacant locations.

     SECTION 2.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $250,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2011-2012 and the sum of $250,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2012-2013 to establish safe havens for persons who are homeless in designated existing parks and open or vacant locations; provided that the funds shall be used for safe haven facilities and uses including:

(1)  Providing pavilions with open walls and overhead shelter;

(2)  Providing showers and toilets;

(3)  Providing potable water;

(4)  Providing coin-operated clothes washing machines and clothes drying machines;

(5)  Providing lockers;

(6)  Providing personnel for minimum security; and

(7)  Maintaining the parks or locations designated to serve as safe havens for persons who are homeless;

provided further that camping at safe haven sites shall be permitted only at night and each homeless person shall be permitted to have a limited amount of possessions and a maximum of one pet, as determined to be appropriate by the department of human services.

     The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of human services for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2011.

Report Title:

Homelessness; Park Safe Havens

Description:

Appropriates funds to designate existing parks or open or vacant space as a safe haven for persons who are homeless.  Effective on July 1, 2011.  (PROPOSED SB900 HD1)

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