Bill > HR108

This resolution requests the City and County of Honolulu and the Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions to create a comprehensive, localized plan to address the growing issues of homelessness and behavioral health needs specifically on the Waianae Coast. The plan should be "place-based," meaning it's tailored to the unique circumstances of that region, and "coordinated," ensuring different agencies and services work together effectively. This is prompted by a significant increase in homelessness on Oahu, with the Waianae Coast having the largest concentration of homeless individuals, many of whom are "chronically homeless" (meaning they have experienced homelessness for a year or more, or have had at least four episodes of homelessness in the last three years). The resolution highlights that behavioral health and substance use disorders are major contributors to homelessness and emphasizes the need to integrate these concerns into the response. The plan is expected to analyze emergency response data, emergency room use for psychiatric crises, available crisis stabilization resources, identify areas with the greatest need and service gaps, evaluate how outreach teams, mental health providers, and first responders are working together, and explore the feasibility of a dedicated crisis stabilization or triage center for the region. Finally, the City and County and the Statewide Office are asked to involve local community service providers in developing this plan and to report their findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislative changes, to the State Legislature by early 2027.