HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.R. NO.	150
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025
STATE OF HAWAII

HOUSE RESOLUTION

RECOGNIZing january 11-17, 2026, as "Strong start, strong economy week".

WHEREAS, investing in policies and programs that support maternity and early childhood stability is essential in breaking the cycle of generational poverty and offers better outcomes for the State's economic development and growth within local communities; and

WHEREAS, according to the American Academy for Pediatrics, low socioeconomic status and the health challenges that arise from living in poor socioeconomic circumstances is a contributing factor to intergenerational poverty; and

WHEREAS, the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) threshold is the average annual income needed to afford basic necessities, which for a single adult is $39,384, and for a family with two adults, one infant, and a preschooler is $107,796, while the federal poverty level in Hawaii for each respective group is $17,310 and $35,880 per year; and

WHEREAS, forty percent of Hawaii households are currently living below the ALICE threshold as of 2024, and according to the Department of Human Services, ALICE households are the largest consumers of social services in the State; and

WHEREAS, working families are the backbone of the State's economy and contribute to the prosperity and well-being of communities and society through their dedication and hard work; and

WHEREAS, Hawaii has a workforce shortage in jobs that require higher education, trade training, and subject matter specialty; and

WHEREAS, ALICE workers, in a stabilized situation, would be able to join the workforce in skilled jobs that offer higher wages, allowing younger generations to gain experience in entry level roles that otherwise would have been occupied by ALICE workers; and

WHEREAS, research shows that the early years of a child's life are critical for cognitive, social, and emotional development; and

WHEREAS, strengthening resources for unemployed and ALICE families during maternity and early childhood impacts the stability of children, thereby reducing the risk for lifelong instability, increasing opportunities to overcome intergenerational poverty, and enabling these children to help fulfill the State's skilled workforce needs; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Thirty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2025, that this body recognizes January 11-17, 2026, as "Strong Start, Strong Economy Week"; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that during "Strong Start, Strong Economy Week", the Representatives of House Districts 4 and 5 are requested to work with local, national, and international scholars, organizations, and local initiatives to explore connections between family stability and the impact that early childhood stability has on the economy and highlight how social services can serve as a long-term workforce solution; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this body recognizes that the positive impacts of stability in early childhood increase the long-term potential for stable cognitive, social, and emotional development, leading to more productive adults within society who are more prepared to overcome intergenerational poverty, complete postsecondary education, and fulfill the State's skilled workforce needs; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and President of the Senate.

OFFERED BY:

_____________________________

Report Title:

Strong Start, Strong Economy Week; Early Childhood Stability; Skilled Workforce; Social Services