STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1625

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2025

RE: H.R. No. 170

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.R. No. 170 entitled:

"HOUSE RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES' OFFICE OF YOUTH SERVICES AND JUVENILE JUSTICE STATE ADVISORY COUNCIL TO EXAMINE THE AVAILABILITY AND UTILIZATION OF AINA-BASED LEARNING PROGRAMS OFFERED TO YOUTH IN THE JUVENILE LEGAL SYSTEM,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to request the Department of Human Services' Office of Youth Services and Juvenile Justice State Advisory Council to examine the availability and utilization of aina-based learning programs offered to youth in the juvenile legal system.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Office of the Public Defender; Mālama Mākua; Nā ‘Ōpio Waiwai, Youth Council of ʻEkolu Mea Nui; Debt Free Justice Hawai‘i; ‘Ekolu Mea Nui; and Opportunity for Youth Action Hawai‘i.

Your Committee finds that youth involved in the juvenile justice system often face financial hardships due to court-imposed fees, fines, and restitution. While community service is frequently ordered in lieu of financial penalties, existing opportunities often lack meaningful cultural or rehabilitative components, limiting their impact on youth development and reducing their effectiveness in preventing recidivism. This measure requests the Department of Human Services' Office of Youth Services and Juvenile Justice State Advisory Council to examine the availability and utilization of aina-based learning programs as an alternative for youth in the juvenile legal system to promote cultural reconnection, foster rehabilitation, and strengthen youth ties to their land, families, and communities.

Your Committee has amended this measure by making a technical, nonsubstantive amendment for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

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 concurs with the intent and purpose of H.R. No. 170, as amended herein, and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs in the form attached hereto as H.R. No. 170, H.D. 1.

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

____________________________

LISA MARTEN, Chair