Bill > HB1101

This bill makes the Safe Spaces for Youth Pilot Program a permanent program within the Office of Youth Services, designed to provide support for youth and young adults experiencing homelessness. The program will require collaboration between various state and county departments to identify and place homeless youth and young adults in shelters, with specific provisions ensuring their safety and support. The bill authorizes the Office of Youth Services to contract with nonprofit organizations to provide shelters, with strict requirements that these organizations have appropriate knowledge, experience, and qualifications. Notably, the bill allows shelters to admit youth under 18 for up to 90 days without parental consent and mandates that youth under 18 and young adults (18-24) be sheltered separately. The shelters must provide comprehensive services including overnight lodging, supervision, hot meals, showers, medical and behavioral health services, and education and employment support. The Office of Youth Services will be required to submit a report about the program to the legislature before each regular session, and the program will have the authority to adopt necessary rules to implement its objectives. The bill aims to create a permanent, structured approach to addressing youth homelessness by providing safe, supportive environments for vulnerable young people.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1101&year=2026