Bill Text: HI SB2940 | 2012 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Keiki Caucus; Youth Services; Appropriation
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2012-02-28 - (S) The committee on WAM deferred the measure. [SB2940 Detail]
Download: Hawaii-2012-SB2940-Introduced.html
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THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
2940 |
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TWENTY-SIXTH LEGISLATURE, 2012 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
Making an appropriation for youth services.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that many studies have shown that the hours between 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. are the peak hours for youth to commit or be victims of crime, and to smoke, drink, or do drugs. After school programs can keep youth out of trouble, improve school attitudes and behavior, strengthen social networks, teach new skills, and improve self-confidence by offering safety, structure, supportive adults, and exposure to new and different experiences. Conversely, youth who are not supervised by an adult after hours are at risk of academic and behavior-related problems.
The legislature also finds that according to the Hawaii student alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs report, lack of after school programs affects middle school students the most, and may be a contributing factor in risk factors such as peer substance use and antisocial behavior, and the use of cigarettes, alcohol, and marijuana.
The legislature further finds that in the past several years, the new immigrant population from Micronesia, Chuuk, Marshall Islands, and other Compact of Free Association nations has increased dramatically in our State. Many of the children and youth from these populations face acculturation issues, problems with poor performance in school, bullying, and prejudice. For example, in the Kalihi community, along with the immigrants from various Compact of Free Association nations, the existing youth are at a high risk for participating in risky behaviors, such as participation in gangs, substance use and abuse, and criminal behavior. Furthermore, according to the Star Advertiser, currently fifty-three per cent of students statewide are eligible for free or reduced lunch, which is the highest rate it has been in two decades. Since this is a key indicator of poverty, this statistic points to the growing low-income, at risk population.
The legislature also finds that the demand for after school programs among the at risk population exceeds the ability to provide services to this population, and access to quality out-of-school-time activities is especially limited in low-income communities.
The legislature finds that according to the Star Advertiser, the department of human services ended its temporary assistance for needy families program contracts with forty-one children, youth, and family programs. Coupled with reduced funding levels from the state and federal governments, these reductions have resulted in decreases for youth programs in the Kalihi community. Decreased funding has resulted in reductions in:
(1) The number of staff employed;
(2) The number of hours worked by remaining staff, including initiating furlough days in some instances;
(3) The number of hours centers are open and services are available to youth and families; and
(4) The number of activities and services available for youth and their families.
The legislature further finds that youth require services and activities to prevent them from exhibiting risky behaviors and participating in illegal activities, and to increase their chances of school success, high school graduation, and a successful transition to adulthood.
The purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds to ensure youth in Kalihi receive services they need and to decrease the gap in services that resulted from decreased temporary assistance for needy families program funding and state and federal funding dedicated to youth services.
SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $450,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2012-2013 to provide funding as grants pursuant to chapter 42F, Hawaii Revised Statutes, for agencies providing youth services and to be distributed as follows:
(1) Kalihi YMCA $150,000;
(2) Parents and Children Together $150,000; and
(3) Susannah Wesley Community Center $150,000.
The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of human services for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2012.
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INTRODUCED BY: |
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Report Title:
Keiki Caucus; Youth Services; Appropriation
Description:
Appropriates funds as a grant to the Kalihi YMCA, Parents and Children Together, and Susannah Wesley Community Center to support youth services.
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
