HB2315

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that the overrepresentation of youth from the Native Hawaiian community, Pacific Islander communities, and communities of color across Hawaii's criminal justice system reflects intergenerational trauma, cultural dislocation, and risk factors associated with poverty.

The legislature also finds that adolescence is a period of risk-taking and experimentation, in which youth of all cultural backgrounds explore their place in society. The decisions made in this period of life have long-term implications for the health of individuals and our community. Risky behavior by youth from at-risk communities have particularly dangerous consequences, including a higher risk of mortality, poverty, chronic health issues, and suicide. These behaviors may also lead to incarceration and continued cycles of trauma.

Youth from all communities deserve a stable and well‑rounded upbringing. Best practices regarding youth from underserved communities who face negative risk factors and adverse childhood experiences suggest that culturally focused solutions have positive results. Longitudinal studies of youth from across the world that study resilience note the importance of healthy relationships and healthy experiences through the tumultuous years of adolescence.

The legislature also finds that numerous programs across the State that offer mentorship, sports, after-school programing, counseling, and friendship have made an impact in the lives of hundreds of children over decades of service. These programs have been adversely affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. In addition, the privatization of many extracurricular activities has left many underserved youth without avenues to explore their roles in our community.

The legislature believes that youth deserve investment in both time and resources. The legislature also believes that investment in the activities of youth from the Native Hawaiian community, Pacific Islander communities, and communities of color, who are overrepresented in Hawaii's criminal justice system, is a matter of statewide concern.

The purpose of this Act is to increase funding to services and programs by establishing a grant program within the office of youth services, which will decrease the overrepresentation of youth from the Native Hawaiian community, Pacific Islander communities, and communities of color across Hawaii's criminal justice system and address intergenerational trauma, cultural dislocation, and risk factors associated with poverty.

SECTION 2. Chapter 352D, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§352D- Programs and entities supporting at-risk youth; grants. (a) The office shall administer a grant program, which shall provide grants to qualified programs and entities that support the State's youth; provided that the office shall give priority to programs that:

(1) Support youth from ethnic groups that:

(A) Are disproportionately represented in the Hawaii youth correctional facility, the State's overall prison or jail population, or the State's correctional system in general; or

(B) As shown by statistics, are at a disproportionately higher risk of mortality, poverty, chronic health issues, suicide, or other risk factors;

(2) Address the negative effects of adverse childhood experiences;

(3) Support rehabilitation as an alternative to incarceration for youth offenders; or

(4) Meet community needs identified pursuant to needs assessments or the community consultation described in subsection (c).

(b) In addition to the criteria established in subsection (a), the office shall also give priority to programs that obtain matching funds from non-state sources.

(c) Before awarding any grants pursuant to this section, the office shall solicit input from community partners to identify priorities and unmet needs. The office shall periodically solicit input to update the grant program's priorities.

(d) Subject to the availability of moneys, grants may be:

(1) Awarded for a multi-year period, up to a maximum of five years; or

(2) If awarded on an annual basis, may be renewed annually up to a maximum of five years at the discretion of the executive director.

(e) The office of youth services shall include information on the grant program in its annual report to the governor and the legislature submitted pursuant to section 352D-6(11), including a summary of the priorities identified pursuant to subsection (c), a listing of grants awarded, and the programs supported by the grants.

(f) The office shall adopt rules pursuant to chapter 91 to carry out the purposes of this section."

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 2022-2023 to establish a grant program within the office of youth services.

The sum appropriated shall be expended by the office of youth services for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 4. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2022.

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	2315
THIRTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE, 2022
STATE OF HAWAII