Bill > SB1616

This bill requires the Department of Accounting and General Services (DAGS) to conduct a comprehensive feasibility study on establishing child care centers within state buildings, addressing a critical challenge faced by Hawaii's working families regarding access to affordable childcare. The study will involve developing detailed criteria for identifying suitable state facilities for child care centers, including considerations of child welfare, facility location, space utilization, outdoor recreation areas, and parking accessibility. DAGS must also establish design criteria covering classroom sizes, age ranges of children, bathroom facilities, food preparation areas, storage requirements, and recreation spaces. Additionally, the study will develop procedures for qualifying and selecting care center operators, estimate planning and construction costs, and determine which agency should administer the program. The department is mandated to submit a report with findings and recommendations to the Legislature twenty days before the 2027 regular legislative session, with the ultimate goal of potentially creating more affordable childcare options by leveraging existing state building infrastructure and potentially offering below-market rent to care providers. The bill is set to take effect on January 1, 2491, which appears to be a typographical error or placeholder date.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=1616&year=2026