HB2117

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	2117
THIRTIETH LEGISLATURE, 2020
STATE OF HAWAII

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 according to the 2019 Hawaii Statewide Homeless Point-in-Time Count, there were over 4,453 homeless individuals on Oahu. Despite increased efforts and resources to reduce homelessness in Hawaii, it has remained a significant issue. Homeless individuals often rely on panhandling for income. Citations and jail time for panhandling can be disruptive and exacerbate the problem. Further, service providers often have difficulty in identifying and connecting homeless individuals with the services they need, such as mental health or substance abuse treatment.

The legislature recognizes that pilot programs throughout the country provide homeless individuals with temporary work while providing easy access to services. A pilot program launched in Albuquerque, New Mexico in 2015 has received national attention. The program provides homeless individuals with work cleaning public spaces. A similar program introduced in Tucson, Arizona assists homeless individuals with temporary jobs.

The legislature further finds that in Hawaii, some service providers assist homeless individuals with temporary work. However, those programs are limited to small areas and are not available to the vast majority of homeless individuals in the State. The legislature also finds that since problems like graffiti and litter remain prevalent throughout Hawaii, the State could employ homeless individuals to help reduce these problems.

The purpose of this Act is to establish a pilot program that:

(1) Seeks out homeless individuals across an island or islands who wish to participate in the program, with a focus on individuals who have yet to receive services;

(2) Assists homeless individuals by providing them temporary jobs in public service; and

(3) Connects homeless individuals with service providers.

SECTION 2. (a) There is established a three-year homeless employment grant program that shall be developed by the department of human services.

(b) The department of human services shall contract with a service provider or other qualified person or entity to administer the program; provided that the contract shall be exempt from chapter 103D, Hawaii Revised Statutes.

(1) Seek out homeless individuals across an island or islands who wish to participate in the program, with a focus on individuals who have yet to receive services;

(2) Connect homeless individuals with work opportunities;

(3) Pay individuals in the program for their hourly work, which may include a limited amount of time spent with service providers; provided that the payments shall be funded by the homeless employment grant program;

(4) Connect homeless individuals with service providers when appropriate; and

(5) Transport program participants to a shelter at the end of the work day, when appropriate.

(d) The homeless individuals who work pursuant to subsection (c) shall not be considered employees of the State solely as a result of their work in the program.

(e) The State shall be immune from suit and liability for any claim for damage to or loss of property, personal injury, or other civil liability caused, arising out of, or relating to any actual or alleged act, error, or omission that occurred at any stage of the planning and administration of the homeless employment grant program.

(f) No later than twenty days before the convening of the regular session of 2021, the department of human services shall submit a report to the legislature that includes:

(1) The progress made toward implementing the homeless employment grant program;

(2) Any findings and recommendations; and

(3) Any necessary proposed legislation.

SECTION 3. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $ or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2020-2021 for the purpose of establishing a three-year homeless employment grant program.

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

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2020.

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________