THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	2008
TWENTY-NINTH LEGISLATURE, 2018
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to homeless youth.

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

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that Hawaii has the highest per capita rate of homelessness of any state in the nation. Hawaii also has the highest rate of chronic unsheltered homeless per capita of any state. Currently, there are an estimated 7,220 sheltered and unsheltered homeless people in Hawaii, and youth service providers report that the number of homeless youth has been increasing each year. Addressing homelessness requires a multi-faceted approach using interventions targeted to the particular characteristics of the population being served.

The legislature further finds that three recent high-profile violent crimes in Waikiki involved teenage assailants. According to Youth Outreach, a drop-in center for youth living on the streets, approximately 500 clients, nearly all homeless, visited the facility in 2016. Homeless youth find themselves living on the streets for a variety of reasons, including having homeless families, aging out of foster care, and running away from bad home situations. Waikiki is a popular spot for homeless youth due to the liveliness, appeal to young people, crowd cover for those wishing to avoid detection, and safer feeling than other areas of Honolulu, such as Chinatown. Some homeless youth commit petty crimes to simply survive; however, the recent violent crimes have led to growing community concern over unattended minors roaming the streets late at night. While increased enforcement of runaways and curfew violations may solve some issues, many homeless youths do not have a safe place to which to return and outreach services cannot reach homeless youth if they are displaced.

The purpose of this Act is to provide funding to the department of human services to increase outreach and provide shelter and services to homeless youth.

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 2018-2019 to provide outreach to and shelter and services for unaccompanied homeless youth.

The sum 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, 2018.

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

Homeless; Youth; Outreach; Appropriation

Description:

Appropriates funds to the department of human services to provide outreach to and shelter and services for homeless youth.

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