STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1603

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2025

RE: H.R. No. 88

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. 88 entitled:

"HOUSE RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE GOVERNOR'S COORDINATOR ON HOMELESSNESS AND THE CITY AND COUNTY OF HONOLULU TO ESTABLISH A TWO-YEAR HOMELESSNESS SANCTUARY PILOT PROGRAM,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to request the Governor's Coordinator on Homelessness and the City and County of Honolulu to establish a two-year Homelessness Sanctuary Pilot Program to provide a safe location on public land for homeless individuals and families to reside and access services.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from seven individuals. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from one individual. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions.

Your Committee finds that homelessness remains a critical issue across the State, particularly on Oahu, where a large number of unsheltered individuals face challenges related to mental health and substance abuse. Many homeless individuals are frequently cited or arrested for violations such as trespassing or illegal camping, highlighting the urgent need for stable, safe locations where they can live with dignity while accessing essential services. This measure requests the Governor's Coordinator on Homelessness and the City and County of Honolulu to establish a two-year Homelessness Sanctuary Pilot Program to provide designated sanctuary locations with access to social services, mental health care, and substance abuse treatment for homeless individuals and families.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

(1) Changing its title to make technical amendments; and

(2) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments 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. 88, as amended herein, and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Finance in the form attached hereto as H.R. No. 88, H.D. 1.

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

____________________________

LISA MARTEN, Chair