STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2431

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 2501

S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Twenty-Ninth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2018

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committees on Human Services and Housing, to which was referred S.B. No. 2501 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO HOMELESSNESS,"

beg leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to require and appropriate funds to the Department of Human Services to establish safe zones where homeless persons may reside.

Your Committees received testimony in support of this measure from IMUAlliance and Oahu County Committee on Legislative Priorities of the Democratic Party of Hawaii. Your Committees received testimony in opposition to this measure from the Governor's Coordinator on Homelessness, Department of Land and Natural Resources, and one individual.

Your Committees find that safe zones are one of several housing alternatives that policymakers, in conjunction with communities in the State, are exploring to address homelessness in Hawaii. Your Committees further find that due to economic constraints and the uncertain construction timelines for new housing units, homeless individuals and families still need other housing options. In addition, some individuals and families may choose to live on the street or in public spaces and refuse outreach and other services provided to them. Your Committees recognize that safe zones may provide an alternative for these individuals and families.

Your Committees encourage the Department of Human Services to establish interim rules to expedite the process of establishing safe zones throughout the State, should this measure be enacted.

Your Committees have amended this measure by:

(1) Including domes among the types of facilities or dwelling units that may be permitted within safe zones;

(2) Inserting a sunset date of June 30, 2028; and

(3) Inserting an effective date of July 1, 2050, to encourage further discussion.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Human Services and Housing that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2501, as amended herein, and recommend that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 2501, S.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committees on Human Services and Housing,

________________________________ WILL ESPERO, Chair

________________________________ JOSH GREEN, Chair