Bill > SB1628

This bill establishes a comprehensive homeless triage and treatment center program within Hawaii's Department of Health's alcohol and drug abuse division, addressing the state's significant homelessness challenges. The bill is motivated by Hawaii's high per capita homelessness rate and the complex needs of homeless individuals, particularly those with substance abuse and mental health issues. The program will provide a range of services including emergency food, shelter, housing navigation, medical assessments, substance abuse treatment, detoxification, behavioral health services, and trauma-informed life skills groups. Drawing from the successful pilot program by the Institute for Human Services, which successfully detoxed 354 out of 365 clients and stabilized 134 clients' mental health, the bill aims to create a statewide program that collaborates with hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, law enforcement, and homeless service providers. The program will focus on immediate treatment access, recognizing that individuals seeking help often have a brief window of motivation, and will work to transition clients into appropriate treatment and housing situations. To support this initiative, the bill appropriates funding for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027, with the program set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Health and Social Services

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=1628&year=2026