STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1150

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: H.B. No. 212

H.D. 2

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Health and Human Services, to which was referred H.B. No. 212, H.D. 2, 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 Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions to establish a permanent Return-to-Home Program to return homeless individuals in the State to families and relatives in their home states.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions; Office of the Public Defender; Office of Housing and Community Development of the County of Hawaiʻi; The Institute for Human Services, Inc.; Waikiki Neighborhood Board; and six individuals.

Your Committee received comments on this measure from the State Council on Mental Health.

Your Committee finds that the Return-to-Home Pilot Program established by Act 94, Session Laws of Hawaii 2023, has been a success, sending over one hundred homeless individuals back to their home states in the State's partnership with The Institute for Human Services, Inc. Your Committee further finds that with only $50,000 in funding per year, the Return-to-Home Pilot Program has sent one hundred thirty-seven out-of-state homeless individuals back to their families on the mainland, saving the State's taxpayers an estimated $11.2 million. Your Committee notes that the Return-to-Home Pilot Program sunsets on January 1, 2026. By expanding the Return-to-Home Pilot Program into a permanent, statewide initiative with proper funding, this measure ensures that more individuals have the opportunity to return home, where they can access the help and community they need to overcome the challenges of homelessness.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Health and Human Services that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 212, H.D. 2, and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Health and Human Services,

________________________________

JOY A. SAN BUENAVENTURA, Chair