Bill > HB1489

This bill seeks to establish sustainable funding for core homelessness services in Hawaii by appropriating $10,800,000 for each of the fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 to the Department of Human Services (DHS). The funding will be allocated across four key programs: $3,750,000 for the Housing First program (which prioritizes providing permanent housing to homeless individuals quickly), $3,750,000 for rapid re-housing (helping people quickly move from homelessness into permanent housing), $1,550,000 for family assessment centers (which help identify and support homeless families), and $1,750,000 for homeless outreach and civil legal services. The bill is motivated by Hawaii's historically high homelessness rates and the need for consistent, long-term investment in support services. While acknowledging recent progress in reducing homelessness between 2016 and early 2023, the legislature recognizes that recent data shows homelessness rates increasing again, underscoring the importance of maintaining these critical services. By providing dedicated funding outside the base budget of the homeless programs office, the bill aims to ensure program continuity and prevent potential service interruptions that could force individuals and families back into homelessness.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1489&year=2026