Bill > HB1488

This bill addresses the ongoing homelessness challenge in Hawaii by appropriating additional funding for the Department of Human Services' Homeless Programs Office. The bill recognizes that the office's contracted service providers have not received a meaningful budget increase in over ten years, despite rising costs of wages, utilities, and administrative services. Specifically, the legislation provides an extra $8,175,000 for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027, which will be added to the existing base budget of $27,250,000. The purpose of this additional funding is to ensure that homeless service providers can continue delivering critical services, maintain competitive employee wages, and prevent potential service reductions or contract declinations due to financial constraints. The bill highlights that the previous five percent budget increase in 2024 was insufficient to cover full program costs and keep pace with the rising cost of living. By providing this supplemental funding, the legislature aims to support organizations that provide essential services like homeless outreach, shelter, case management, and help transitioning individuals from street living to stable housing. The bill will take effect on July 1, 2025, and the funds will be expended by the Department of Human Services to support homeless programs across the state.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1488&year=2026