STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1650

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: H.B. No. 703

H.D. 1

S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred H.B. No. 703, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, entitled:

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

begs leave to report as follows:

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

Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Hawaii Public Housing Authority, Hawaii State Health Planning and Development Agency, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Executive Office on Aging, AARP Hawaii, Democratic Party of Hawaii, Catholic Charities Hawaii, Ohana Unity Party & Kingdom of the Hawaiian Islands, and two individuals.

Your Committee finds that the State Rent Supplement Program for Kupuna provides vital assistance to kupuna who need affordable housing. Accordingly, your Committee believes that extending the duration of the program will continue to benefit seniors who require housing assistance.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 703, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,

________________________________

DONOVAN M. DELA CRUZ, Chair