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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.R. NO. |
196 |
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TWENTY-SIXTH LEGISLATURE, 2011 |
H.D. 1 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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HOUSE RESOLUTION
REQUESTING THE GOVERNOR'S COORDINATOR ON HOMELESSNESS TO STUDY THE FEASIBILITY OF ESTABLISHING KANAKA VILLAGES FOR HOMELESS NATIVE HAWAIIANS.
WHEREAS, the State has opened several new homeless shelters in response to the rapidly increasing homeless population; and
WHEREAS, in spite of efforts by government and nonprofit organizations to provide overnight shelter to homeless persons, there are still many homeless individuals who sleep in public parks, along sidewalks, and in other areas; and
WHEREAS, Native Hawaiians constitute nearly 40 percent of the homeless population in the State; and
WHEREAS, many homeless Native Hawaiians choose not to use homeless shelters because their lifestyles conflict with shelter rules; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Twenty-sixth Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2011, that the Governor's Coordinator on Homelessness is requested to study the feasibility of establishing kanaka villages, as described in House Bill No. 1489, House Draft 2 (2011), in which homeless Native Hawaiians may live in tents and subsist off the land using traditional Hawaiian methods of sustainability; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that, as part of the study, the Governor's Coordinator on Homelessness is requested to:
(1) Consult with the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands and the Hawaii Public Housing Authority; and,
(2) Identify appropriate areas on Department of Hawaiian Home Lands property that may be used for kanaka villages;
and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Coordinator on Homelessness is requested to submit to the Legislature a report of the Coordinator's findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, no later than 20 days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2012; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Governor, Governor's Coordinator on Homelessness, Chairperson of the Hawaiian Homes Commission, and Executive Director of the Hawaii Public Housing Authority.
Governor's Coordinator on Homelessness; Kanaka Villages; Homelessness