STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1474

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.C.R. No. 95

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs, to which was referred S.C.R. No. 95 entitled:

"SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE COUNTY OF MAUI TO STUDY THE FEASIBILITY OF IMPLEMENTING A UNIVERSAL BASIC INCOME PROGRAM FOR RESIDENTS AND BUSINESS OWNERS IMPACTED BY THE 2023 MAUI WILDFIRES,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to request the County of Maui to:

(1) Study the feasibility of implementing a Universal Basic Income program for residents and business owners impacted by the 2023 Maui wildfires; and

(2) Submit a report of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the Legislature prior to the Regular Session of 2026.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from one individual.

Your Committee finds that a Universal Basic Income program is a social welfare program that provides regular cash payments to all citizens of a given population without regard to their employment or income status. Your Committee further finds that the My People Fund initiative in Tennessee following the 2016 Gatlinburg wildfires provided direct financial assistance to communities impacted by wildfires at regular intervals over the course of six months, similar to a Universal Basic Income program, which led to positive impacts on housing security, financial well‑being, and emotional health following the disaster. Your Committee notes that direct cash assistance programs empower recipients by affording them the flexibility to address their most pressing needs, including housing, medical expenses, childcare, and business recovery. According to testimony received by your Committee, many local businesses on Maui are still struggling to rebuild, and it is critical that every possible solution to best support these victims is considered. This measure explores a potential solution to help contribute significantly to economic stability, reduce financial strain, and improve long-term recovery outcomes for residents and business owners affected by the 2023 Maui wildfires.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of S.C.R. No. 95 and recommends its adoption.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs,

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GLENN WAKAI, Chair