Bill > HB1338

This bill establishes a two-year homelessness sanctuary pilot program in Hawaii designed to provide a safe location for homeless individuals and families to live and access services. The program will be administered by the Governor's Coordinator on Homelessness in collaboration with the Department of Human Services and the City and County of Honolulu, with a designated location on state or county land to be selected by November 1, 2025. The sanctuary will provide essential facilities including a central tent, parking areas for vehicles, restroom and shower facilities, lockers, storage, laundry facilities, and waste disposal. The program will allow residents to set up individual tents, bring pet animals, and will offer meal services through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. Additionally, the sanctuary will create volunteer and employment opportunities for residents, paying at least minimum wage, and focus on tasks like clean-up and maintenance for state and county governments. The program will aim to establish a zero-tolerance policy for illegal activities and will survey residents to identify additional needed services such as job training, education, childcare, and transportation. The Governor's Coordinator must submit annual reports to the Legislature evaluating the program's progress and effectiveness, with the pilot program set to conclude on December 31, 2027. The bill appropriates $5,000,000 for the program's implementation, with funds potentially transferable to other state or county agencies to support the initiative.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1338&year=2026