Bill Text: HI HB1986 | 2016 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Youth Gang; Prevention and Intervention; Department of Human Services; Appropriation ($)
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 4-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2016-02-04 - The committee(s) on HUS recommend(s) that the measure be deferred. [HB1986 Detail]
Download: Hawaii-2016-HB1986-Introduced.html
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
1986 |
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TWENTY-EIGHTH LEGISLATURE, 2016 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
Relating to youth Gang Prevention and Intervention.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that there is a growing youth gang problem in Hawaii. This is evidenced by a statewide increase in gang membership as well as an increase in gang related graffiti, violence, and criminal activity. While ethnic and socio-economic profiles have changed over the past three decades, the dynamics and causes of gang activity remain the same.
Since youth gang members are primarily of school age, gang related activities may impact public housing where large numbers of youth reside. It is reported that gang members illicitly engage in criminal activity such as distribution and sale of illegal drugs and substances. It is also reported that members possess weapons and may be prone to violent behavior, endangering the safety and well-being of residents of public housing.
Gang delinquency tends to appear in communities where factors of poverty, adolescence, and social disorganization are present. These are social, economic, and environmental factors that continue to plague public housing in Hawaii. Social disorganization is activated in public housing communities that have high rates of in-migration, in families that lack the skills or time to provide adolescents with the support and guidance they need, and in communities that fail to offer the types of activities that foster in adolescents a sense of challenge, purpose, and belonging, and that fail to recognize and effectively assist youths who are "at-risk". When youths turn to gangs for support and recognition, their destructive behavior is an expression of their desperate need for help from the social disorganization they are facing.
Clearly, the existence of gangs is but a symptom of a larger set of problems that our communities experience. Consequently, the legislature finds that a multi-pronged approach should be taken with programs that have expertise and experience to reach out and establish relationships and help promote education, self-esteem, individual growth and development, leadership, and responsibility. The legislature further finds that working within a public housing community allows programs, workers, residents, and volunteers to focus on specific targets and groups of youth.
SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $1 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2016-2017 for the department of human services to develop prevention and intervention projects and programs targeting youth who reside in public housing who are at high risk of engaging in gang activities or joining gangs. The projects and programs shall be on-site or near sites where at-risk youth reside in public housing.
The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of human services for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 3. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance of any appropriation made by this Act as of the close of business on June 30, 2018, shall lapse to the credit of the general fund.
SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2016.
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INTRODUCED BY: |
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Report Title:
Youth Gang; Prevention and Intervention; Department of Human Services; Appropriation
Description:
Appropriates funds to the department of human services to target youths who live in public housing who are at risk of engaging in gang activities or joining gangs.
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
