HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.R. NO.	98
THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2024
STATE OF HAWAII

HOUSE RESOLUTION

Urging the department of transportation to establish A safe parking PILOT PROGRAM that allows homeless individuals living in their cars to park on state lands during prohibited hours.

WHEREAS, homelessness is an issue that has been prevalent for decades in the State, especially on Oahu; and

WHEREAS, a person who is homeless is at higher risk of their general welfare, safety, and health being threatened; and

WHEREAS, additionally, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders face the highest rates of homelessness compared to any other racial group in the State; and

WHEREAS, shelter is a basic necessity; however, existing state law prohibits using one's vehicle for purposes of human habitation while the vehicle is parked on public property between 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.; and

WHEREAS, homeless shelters are available, yet they are not always viable due to various circumstances or restrictions, such as space, location, safety, shelter rules that may prohibit spouses or pets, limitations based on mental or physical health, or curfews; and

WHEREAS, many jurisdictions in California have established safe parking pilot programs to provide a safe place to park and receive basic services for individuals who are living in their vehicles; and

WHEREAS, Bellevue, Washington is also planning to open a similar safe parking pilot program in spring 2024 to provide temporary support for homeless individuals who are struggling to find stable housing; and

WHEREAS, establishing a safe parking program in the State can help Hawaii's homeless population find a safe place to park and rest at night, providing stability to these individuals as they seek permanent housing; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Thirty-second Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2024, that the Department of Transportation is urged to establish a safe parking pilot program that allows homeless individuals living in their cars to park on state lands during prohibited hours; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Transportation is requested to submit a report on the status of the safe parking pilot program no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2025; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a certified copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the Director of Transportation.

OFFERED BY:

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Report Title:

Homelessness; Safe Parking Pilot Program; Department of Transportation; State Lands