Bill Text: HI SB2340 | 2016 | Regular Session | Introduced

Hawaii Senate Bill 2340 (Prior Session Legislation)

Introduced

Bill Title: Homeless; Outreach; Youth ($)

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 2-0)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2016-02-08 - Report adopted; Passed Second Reading and referred to WAM. [SB2340 Detail]

Download: Hawaii-2016-SB2340-Introduced.html

THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	2340
TWENTY-EIGHTH LEGISLATURE, 2016
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to homelessness.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that Hawaii has the highest per capita rate of homelessness of any state in the nation. Hawaii also has the highest rate of chronic unsheltered homeless per capita of any state. Currently, an estimated 7,620 people are living on the streets and in shelters in Hawaii. Addressing homelessness requires a multi-faceted approach using interventions targeted to the particular characteristics of the population being served.

The legislature further finds that outreach is a critical piece of the coordinated entry system. The legislature finds that more strategic, coordinated outreach is needed to assertively serve the growing percentage of homeless persons who are not living in shelter programs. As the counties and the State increase enforcement efforts in parks and public areas, outreach to homeless persons becomes even more significant. State efforts for outreach have focused on individual adults and families with children.

The legislature also finds that unaccompanied homeless youth are often hard to locate and identify and are particularly vulnerable to exploitation. Between 2000 and 2010, over thirty per cent of all juvenile arrests in Hawaii were for running away from home. Outreach is especially critical to help newly homeless youth navigate the social services system to find safe alternatives to homelessness. Youth service providers report that the number of homeless youth have been increasing each year. The legislature further finds that the State needs to address youth homelessness to prevent these homeless youth from becoming homeless adults.

The purpose of this Act is to appropriate additional funds to the department of human services, including the office of youth services, to provide outreach services.

SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $1,700,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2016-2017 for additional outreach to homeless individuals and families with children.

The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of human services for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 3. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $300,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2016-2017 for outreach to unaccompanied homeless youth.

The sum appropriated shall be expended by the office of youth services of the department of human services for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2016.

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________

Report Title:

Homeless; Outreach; Youth

Description:

Appropriates additional funds for outreach to homeless individuals and families, as well as homeless unaccompanied youth. Appropriates funds to the department of human services.

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.