STAND. COM. REP. NO. 519

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2025

RE: H.B. No. 703

H.D. 1

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Madame:

Your Committee on Human Services & Homelessness, to which was referred H.B. No. 703 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO KUPUNA HOUSING,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to extend the sunset date for the State Rent Supplement Program for Kupuna to June 30, 2028.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Executive Office on Aging; Kūpuna Caucus of the Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi; Catholic Charities Hawaiʻi; AARP Hawaiʻi; and Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi.

Your Committee finds that Hawaii's aging population faces an increasing risk of homelessness due to rising rental costs and limited financial resources. Many kupuna rely on fixed incomes, such as Social Security, and are forced to make difficult financial choices that can negatively impact their overall well-being. Without stable housing, they may experience worsened physical and mental health, creating additional strain on health care and social services. This measure addresses these concerns by extending the sunset date for the State Rent Supplement Program for Kupuna, ensuring continued support for eligible seniors at risk of homelessness.

Your Committee has amended this measure by changing the effective date to July 1, 3000, to encourage further discussion.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Human Services & Homelessness that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 703, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 703, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Finance.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Human Services & Homelessness,

____________________________

LISA MARTEN, Chair