Bill > HB91

This bill establishes comprehensive support programs for homeless and food-insecure students within the University of Hawaii system. The legislation creates a homeless student stability program that provides grants to campuses to support students experiencing homelessness, including funding for basic needs like groceries, healthcare reimbursement, temporary housing, and job training resources. A companion homeless student housing resource program will provide grants to housing support organizations to help students and their families secure stable housing near their campus, offering assistance such as rental support, transportation help, and emergency shelter. Additionally, the bill mandates the creation of at least one benefits navigator position at each University of Hawaii campus to help students access public benefits and community resources, and requires each campus to develop a strategic plan addressing food insecurity and basic student needs. The bill also requires the university to conduct an annual survey starting in the 2025-2026 school year to assess students' food security, housing stability, and economic support needs, with results to be published by December 31st each year. The legislature aims to break down barriers to higher education access and ensure post-secondary students can meet their basic needs while pursuing their academic goals.

Education

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=91&year=2026