STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1789

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: H.B. No. 943

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. 943, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO HOMELESSNESS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to require the Department of Health to establish a homeless triage and treatment center program to provide support services to individuals who are homeless or at risk of homelessness and who have substance abuse issues or mental illness.

Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the State Council on Mental Health, Hawaii State Department of Health, Waikiki Neighborhood Board, County of Hawaii Office of Housing and Community Development, Hawaii Substance Abuse Coalition, Hawaii Psychological Association, AlohaCare, the Institute for Human Services, and seven individuals.

Your Committee received written comments on this measure from one individual.

Your Committee finds that early intervention and comprehensive support services for the population to be served under the program required by this measure can help to decrease long-term costs by reducing unnecessary hospitalizations, emergency interventions, and strains on the long-term care system.

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. 943, 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,

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DONOVAN M. DELA CRUZ, Chair