Bill > HB645

This bill addresses the critical issue of unaccompanied homeless youth in Hawaii by appropriating state general revenues to provide emergency shelter and services across all major Hawaiian islands (Hawaii, Kauai, Lanai, Maui, Molokai, and Oahu) for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027. The bill highlights alarming statistics about homeless youth, noting that one in ten young adults aged 18-25 and one in thirty adolescents aged 13-17 experience homelessness without parental supervision. The legislature recognizes the significant challenges faced by these youth, including high rates of mental health problems, previous involvement in foster care and juvenile justice systems, and increased vulnerability to physical harm, particularly among LGBTQ+ youth. These challenges include unmet basic needs, untreated mental health disorders, substance use, educational disruption, health risks, sexual exploitation, and increased suicide risk. By providing funding to the Department of Human Services, the bill aims to address the needs of this underserved population and offer critical emergency support. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, with the specific funding amount to be determined during the appropriations process.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=645&year=2026