STAND. COM. REP. NO. 147

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 602

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Housing, to which was referred S.B. No. 602 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE HAWAII PUBLIC HOUSING AUTHORITY,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to:

(1) Include any parcels owned by the Hawaii Public Housing Authority (HPHA) as areas that may be closed to the public; and

(2) Specify required signage.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Hawaii Public Housing Authority and one individual.

Your Committee finds that safety of residents statewide is of paramount importance. However, there has been an increase in dangerous incidents at HPHA properties arising from uninvited individuals. Clarifying conditions that specify which HPHA properties are closed to the public will deter individuals and activities that disturb the community and will allow prosecution of trespassers in accordance with state law. Therefore, this measure protects the safety and welfare of tenants in HPHA units while promoting a safer living environment for the surrounding community.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Housing that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 602 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to your Committee on Judiciary.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Housing,

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STANLEY CHANG, Chair