HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.R. NO.	215
TWENTY-SEVENTH LEGISLATURE, 2014
STATE OF HAWAII

HOUSE RESOLUTION

COMmending THE VETERANS ENGAGED IN TRANSITION (V.E.T.) HOUSE IN KALIHI ON ITS OPENING.

     WHEREAS, many veterans suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and other personal problems as a result of their wartime experiences; and

     WHEREAS, Captain Ira Barnes Dutton, later known as "Brother Joseph of Molokai" served in the Quartermaster Corps during the Civil War and suffered from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder resulting in a failed marriage and years of alcoholism; and

     WHEREAS, Captain Dutton sought atonement for his transgressions by vowing to never touch another drop of whiskey again and spent the remainder of his life serving Hansen's Disease patients at Kalaupapa on the island of Molokai; and

     WHEREAS, Captain Dutton has become a role model and inspiration to veterans today, illustrating that veterans can turn their lives around if they are provided the opportunity; and

     WHEREAS, a V.E.T. house provides a temporary home to veterans who have been homeless but are turning their lives around and transitioning into permanent housing and working toward self-sustainability; and

     WHEREAS, the V.E.T. House in Kalihi was created because there is a need to provide specialized services to veterans who are not able to thrive in a shelter environment; and

     WHEREAS, the V.E.T. House in Kalihi has eight beds available as part of a 90-day transitional program to select veterans who are ready to make the move to permanent housing; and

     WHEREAS, at the V.E.T. House in Kalihi, each guest receives individualized case management to reconnect them with the services and benefits they earned during their services; and

     WHEREAS, the V.E.T. House in Kalihi is surrounded by beautiful gardens that the veterans tend to and features a large communal dining room where guests can come together to offer friendship and support; and

     WHEREAS, during their stay at the V.E.T. House, veterans are able to benefit from the healing environment, safe from the risks of living on the streets, and receive supportive guidance empowering them to independently pursue their personal rehabilitation and life goals; and

     WHEREAS, the V.E.T. House in Kalihi was developed by The Institute for Human Services (HIS) through a partnership with the Veteran's Administration, key sponsors like Home Depot, donors, and contributors; now, therefore,

     BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Twenty-seventh Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2014, that this body congratulates the V.E.T. House in Kalihi on the occasion of its opening ond recognizes and commends Connie Mitchell, Executive Director of The Institute for Human Services, U.S. Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, Jay King, V.E.T. House Coordinator at The Institute for Human Services, Home Depot, and Jonathan Perreira for their significant contributions in making the drean of a V.E.T. House in Kalihi a reality; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to The Institute for Human Services, the V.E.T. House, U.S. Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, Home Depot Honolulu, Home Depot Pearl City, and John Perreira.

OFFERED BY:

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Report Title: 

Commending the Veterans Engaged In Transition (V.E.T.) House in Kalihi on Its Opening