HB 212: OHHS; Homelessness; Return-to-Home Program; Report; Appropriation
- Session Year: 2025-2026
- House: House
- Latest Version Date: 2025-04-04
Current Status:
Failed
(2026-04-02: Received notice of the discharge of all House Conferees (Hse. Com. No. 457).)
Introduced
In Committee
First Chamber
In Committee
Second Chamber
Final Decking
Enacted
Requires the Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions to establish a permanent Return-to-Home Program to return homeless individuals in the State to families and relatives in their home states. Requires the Office to report to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)
Requires the Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions to establish a permanent Return-to-Home Program to return homeless individuals in the State to families and relatives in their home states. Requires the Office to report to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)
Requires the Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions to establish a permanent Return-to-Home Program to return homeless individuals in the State to families and relatives in their home states. Requires the Office to report to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Requires the Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions to establish a permanent Return-to-Home program to return homeless individuals in the State to families and relatives in their home states. Requires the Office to report to the Legislature. Appropriates funds.
|
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
212 |
|
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025 |
H.D. 2 |
|
|
STATE OF HAWAII |
S.D. 1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
||
A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO HOMELESSNESS.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
The legislature further finds that additional manpower would assist in furthering the program.
Therefore, the purpose of this Act is to repeal the return‑to-home pilot program, establish the return-to-home program on a permanent basis, and appropriate funds for the program's continued operations.
SECTION 2. Chapter 346, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part XVIII to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§346- Return-to-home program. (a) The statewide office on homelessness and housing solutions shall coordinate a voluntary homeless assistance program, to be known as the return-to-home program, to provide eligible homeless individuals with assistance in being reunited with family and relatives in the individual's home state. The office shall establish a public-private partnership by contracting with eligible nonprofit organizations, for-profit organizations, or foundations to administer the program in compliance with chapters 103D and 103F. The governor's coordinator on homelessness may assist with the implementation of this program.
(b) An individual who is homeless shall be eligible to participate in the return-to-home program if:
(1) The individual's participation is completely voluntary;
(2) The individual, if on parole, probation, or awaiting a court hearing or sentencing, has proper clearance from the court to participate in the program;
(4) The statewide office on homelessness and housing solutions, or an agency contracted to administer the program, contacts the family or support group of the individual and the family or support group confirms their acceptance of the individual returning to their home; and
(5) The individual's family or support group agrees to pay for half of the cost of transportation for the individual to return to the individual's home state; provided that this paragraph shall not apply if the family or support group lacks the resources necessary to cover half the cost of transportation for the individual; provided further that the office or the agency contracted to administer the program shall verify the family or support group's lack of resources before covering the entire flight cost of the individual.
(c) An individual shall participate in the return-to-home program only once and shall sign an agreement to this effect before participating in the program. The agreement shall be kept on file with the statewide office on homelessness and housing solutions.
(d) The return-to-home program shall actively seek the participation of local airlines, cruise lines, charter companies, homeless programs, travel agencies, and the visitor industry to coordinate and implement the program.
(e) The return-to-home program shall assist program participants with necessary and proper preparations for travel, including obtaining proper identification, accessing public transportation to the airport, providing orientation relating to airport security, and ensuring sufficient personal hygiene.
(f) The statewide office on homelessness and housing solutions shall submit a report of its findings and recommendations relating to the return-to-home program, including any proposed legislation, to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of each regular session."
SECTION 3. Act 94, Session Laws of Hawaii 2023, is repealed.
SECTION 4. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $ or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2025-2026 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the return-to-home program, including:
(1) full-time equivalent ( FTE) position to assist and supervise the program; and
(2) Operation costs and other current expenses relating to the program.
The sums appropriated shall be expended by the statewide office on homelessness and housing solutions for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 5. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 6. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2050.
Report Title:
OHHS; Homelessness; Return-to-Home Program; Report; Appropriation
Description:
Requires the Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions to establish a permanent Return-to-Home Program to return homeless individuals in the State to families and relatives in their home states. Requires the Office to report to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
|
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
212 |
|
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025 |
H.D. 2 |
|
|
STATE OF HAWAII |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
||
A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO HOMELESSNESS.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
The legislature further finds that additional manpower would assist in furthering the program.
Therefore, the purpose of this Act is to repeal the return-to-home pilot program, establish the return-to-home program on a permanent basis, and appropriate funds for the program's continued operations.
SECTION 2. Chapter 346, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part XVIII to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§346- Return-to-home program. (a) The statewide office on homelessness and housing solutions shall coordinate a voluntary homeless assistance program, to be known as the return-to-home program, to provide eligible homeless individuals with assistance in being reunited with family and relatives in the individual's home state. The office shall establish a public-private partnership by contracting with eligible nonprofit organizations, for-profit organizations, or foundations to administer the program in compliance with chapters 103D and 103F. The governor's coordinator on homelessness may assist with the implementation of this program.
(b) An individual who is homeless shall be eligible to participate in the return-to-home program if:
(1) The individual's participation is completely voluntary;
(2) The individual, if on parole, probation, or awaiting a court hearing or sentencing, has proper clearance from the court to participate in the program;
(4) The statewide office on homelessness and housing solutions, or an agency contracted to administer the program, contacts the family or support group of the individual and the family or support group confirms their acceptance of the individual returning to their home; and
(5) The individual's family or support group agrees to pay for half of the cost of transportation for the individual to return to the individual's home state; provided that this paragraph shall not apply if the family or support group lacks the resources necessary to cover half the cost of transportation for the individual; provided further that the office or the agency contracted to administer the program shall verify the family or support group's lack of resources before covering the entire flight cost of the individual.
(c) An individual shall participate in the return-to-home program only once and shall sign an agreement to this effect before participating in the program. The agreement shall be kept on file with the statewide office on homelessness and housing solutions.
(d) The return-to-home program shall actively seek the participation of local airlines, cruise lines, charter companies, homeless programs, travel agencies, and the visitor industry to coordinate and implement the program.
(e) The return-to-home program shall assist program participants with necessary and proper preparations for travel, including obtaining proper identification, accessing public transportation to the airport, providing orientation relating to airport security, and ensuring sufficient personal hygiene.
(f) The statewide office on homelessness and housing solutions shall submit a report of its findings and recommendations relating to the return-to-home program, including any proposed legislation, to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of each regular session."
SECTION 3. Act 94, Session Laws of Hawaii 2023, is repealed.
SECTION 4. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $ or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2025-2026 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the return-to-home program, including:
(1) full-time equivalent ( FTE) position to assist and supervise the program; and
(2) Operation costs and other current expenses relating to the program.
The sums appropriated shall be expended by the statewide office on homelessness and housing solutions for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 5. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 6. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.
Report Title:
OHHS; Homelessness; Return-to-Home Program; Report; Appropriation
Description:
Requires the Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions to establish a permanent Return-to-Home Program to return homeless individuals in the State to families and relatives in their home states. Requires the Office to report to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
|
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
212 |
|
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025 |
H.D. 1 |
|
|
STATE OF HAWAII |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
||
A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO HOMELESSNESS.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
The legislature further finds that additional manpower would assist in furthering the program.
Therefore, the purpose of this Act is to repeal the return-to-home pilot program, establish the return-to-home program on a permanent basis, and appropriate funds for the program's continued operations.
SECTION 2. Chapter 346, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part XVIII to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§346- Return-to-home program. (a) The statewide office on homelessness and housing solutions shall coordinate a voluntary homeless assistance program, to be known as the return-to-home program, to provide eligible homeless individuals with assistance in being reunited with family and relatives in the individual's home state. The office shall establish a public-private partnership by contracting with eligible nonprofit organizations, for-profit organizations, or foundations to administer the program in compliance with chapters 103D and 103F. The governor's coordinator on homelessness may assist with the implementation of this program.
(b) An individual who is homeless shall be eligible to participate in the return-to-home program if:
(1) The individual's participation is completely voluntary;
(2) The individual, if on parole, probation, or awaiting a court hearing or sentencing, has proper clearance from the court to participate in the program;
(4) The statewide office on homelessness and housing solutions, or an agency contracted to administer the program, contacts the family or support group of the individual and the family or support group confirms their acceptance of the individual returning to their home; and
(5) The individual's family or support group agrees to pay for half of the cost of transportation for the individual to return to the individual's home state; provided that this paragraph shall not apply if the family or support group lacks the resources necessary to cover half the cost of transportation for the individual; provided further that the office or the agency contracted to administer the program shall verify the family or support group's lack of resources before covering the entire flight cost of the individual.
(c) An individual shall participate in the return-to-home program only once and shall sign an agreement to this effect before participating in the program. The agreement shall be kept on file with the statewide office on homelessness and housing solutions.
(d) The return-to-home program shall actively seek the participation of local airlines, cruise lines, charter companies, homeless programs, travel agencies, and the visitor industry to coordinate and implement the program.
(e) The return-to-home program shall assist program participants with necessary and proper preparations for travel, including obtaining proper identification, accessing public transportation to the airport, providing orientation relating to airport security, and ensuring sufficient personal hygiene.
(f) The statewide office on homelessness and housing solutions shall submit a report of its findings and recommendations relating to the return-to-home program, including any proposed legislation, to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of each regular session."
SECTION 3. Act 94, Session Laws of Hawaii 2023, is repealed.
SECTION 4. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $ or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2025-2026 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the return-to-home program, including:
(1) One full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) position to assist and supervise the program; and
(2) Operation costs and other current expenses relating to the program.
The sums appropriated shall be expended by the statewide office on homelessness and housing solutions for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 5. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 6. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.
Report Title:
OHHS; Homelessness; Return-to-Home Program; Report; Appropriation
Description:
Requires the Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions to establish a permanent Return-to-Home Program to return homeless individuals in the State to families and relatives in their home states. Requires the Office to report to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
|
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
212 |
|
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025 |
|
|
|
STATE OF HAWAII |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
||
A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO HOMELESSNESS.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
The legislature further finds that additional manpower would assist in furthering the program.
Therefore, the purpose of this Act is to repeal the pilot program, establish the program on a permanent basis, and appropriate funds.
SECTION 2. Chapter 346, Part XVIII, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§346- Return-to-Home Program. (a) The statewide office on homelessness and housing solutions shall coordinate a voluntary homeless assistance program, to be known as the return-to-home program, to provide eligible homeless individuals with assistance in being reunited with family and relatives in the individual's home state. The office shall establish a public-private partnership by contracting with eligible nonprofit organizations, for-profit organizations, or foundations to administer the program without regard to chapters 103D and 103F. The governor's coordinator on homelessness may assist with the implementation of this program.
(b) An individual who is homeless shall be eligible to participate in the return-to-home program if:
(1) The individual's participation is completely voluntary;
(2) The individual, if on parole, probation, or awaiting a court hearing or sentencing, has proper clearance from the court to participate in the program; and
(c) An individual shall participate in the return-to-home program only once and shall sign an agreement to this effect before participating in the program. The agreement shall be kept on file with the statewide office on homelessness and housing solutions.
(d) The return-to-home program shall actively seek the participation of local airlines, cruise lines, charter companies, homeless programs, travel agencies, and the visitor industry to coordinate and implement the program.
(e) The return-to-home program shall assist program participants with necessary and proper preparations for travel, including obtaining proper identification, accessing public transportation to the airport, providing orientation relating to airport security, and ensuring sufficient personal hygiene.
(f) The statewide office on homelessness and housing solutions shall submit a report of its findings and recommendations relating to the return-to-home program, including any proposed legislation, to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of each regular session."
SECTION 3. Act 94, Session Laws of Hawaii 2023, is repealed.
SECTION 4. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $ or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2025-2026 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the return-to-home program, including:
(1) One full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) position to assist and supervise the program; and
(2) Operation costs and other current expenses relating to the program.
The sums appropriated shall be expended by the statewide office on homelessness and housing solutions for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 5. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 6. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2025.
|
INTRODUCED BY: |
_____________________________ |
|
|
|
Report Title:
OHHS; Homelessness; Return-to-Home Program; Report; Appropriations
Description:
Requires the Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions to establish a permanent Return-to-Home program to return homeless individuals in the State to families and relatives in their home states. Requires the Office to report to the Legislature. Appropriates funds.
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
|
Date
|
Status
|
|---|---|
| Apr 2, 2026 | Received notice of the discharge of all House Conferees (Hse. Com. No. 457). |
| Apr 1, 2026 | House Conferee(s) discharged. |
| Mar 20, 2026 | Received notice of all Senate conferees being discharged (Sen. Com. No. 409). |
| Mar 20, 2026 | Senate Conferee(s) discharged. |
| Dec 8, 2025 | Carried over to 2026 Regular Session. |
| Apr 25, 2025 | Conference Committee Meeting will reconvene on Friday 04-25-25 5:00PM in conference room 329. |
| Apr 24, 2025 | Conference Committee Meeting will reconvene on Friday 04-25-25 1:45PM in conference room 329. |
| Apr 23, 2025 | Conference Committee Meeting will reconvene on Thursday 04-24-25 1:30PM in conference room 329. |
| Apr 21, 2025 | Conference Committee Meeting will reconvene on Wednesday 04-23-25 1:30PM in conference room 329. |
| Apr 17, 2025 | Bill scheduled for Conference Committee Meeting on Monday, 04-21-25 1:30PM in conference room 329. |
| Apr 16, 2025 | Received notice of Senate conferees (Sen. Com. No. 810). |
| Apr 16, 2025 | Senate Conferees Appointed: San Buenaventura Chair; Aquino Co-Chair; Fevella. |
| Apr 15, 2025 | Received notice of appointment of House conferees (Hse. Com. No. 732). |
| Apr 14, 2025 | House Conferees Appointed: Marten, Morikawa Co-Chairs; Tam, Templo, Alcos. |
| Apr 11, 2025 | Received notice of disagreement (Hse. Com. No. 704). |
| Apr 10, 2025 | House disagrees with Senate amendment (s). |
| Apr 8, 2025 | Returned from Senate (Sen. Com. No. 602) in amended form (SD 1). |
| Apr 8, 2025 | Report adopted; Passed Third Reading, as amended (SD 1). Ayes, 25; Aye(s) with reservations: none . Noes, 0 (none). Excused, 0 (none). Transmitted to House. |
| Apr 4, 2025 | 48 Hrs. Notice 04-08-25. |
| Apr 4, 2025 | Reported from WAM (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 1750) with recommendation of passage on Third Reading, as amended (SD 1). |
| Apr 2, 2025 | The committee(s) on WAM recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in WAM were as follows: 13 Aye(s): Senator(s) Dela Cruz, Moriwaki, Aquino, DeCoite, Elefante, Hashimoto, Inouye, Kanuha, Kidani, Kim, Lee, C., Wakai, Fevella; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 0 Excused: none. |
| Mar 27, 2025 | The committee(s) on WAM will hold a public decision making on 04-02-25 10:01AM; Conference Room 211 & Videoconference. |
| Mar 19, 2025 | Report adopted; Passed Second Reading and referred to WAM. |
| Mar 19, 2025 | Reported from HHS (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 1150) with recommendation of passage on Second Reading and referral to WAM. |
| Mar 12, 2025 | The committee(s) on HHS recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The votes in HHS were as follows: 3 Aye(s): Senator(s) San Buenaventura, Aquino, Fevella; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 2 Excused: Senator(s) Hashimoto, Keohokalole. |
| Mar 7, 2025 | The committee(s) on HHS has scheduled a public hearing on 03-12-25 1:10PM; Conference Room 225 & Videoconference. |
| Mar 6, 2025 | Referred to HHS, WAM. |
| Mar 6, 2025 | Passed First Reading. |
| Mar 6, 2025 | Received from House (Hse. Com. No. 198). |
| Mar 4, 2025 | Passed Third Reading as amended in HD 2 with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and Representative(s) Pierick, Ward excused (2). Transmitted to Senate. |
| Feb 28, 2025 | Forty-eight (48) hours notice Tuesday, 03-04-25. |
| Feb 28, 2025 | Reported from FIN (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 1018) as amended in HD 2, recommending passage on Third Reading. |
| Feb 24, 2025 | The committee on FIN recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes were as follows: 15 Ayes: Representative(s) Yamashita, Takenouchi, Grandinetti, Holt, Hussey, Keohokapu-Lee Loy, Kitagawa, Kusch, Lamosao, Lee, M., Miyake, Morikawa, Templo, Alcos, Reyes Oda; Ayes with reservations: none; 0 Noes: none; and 1 Excused: Representative(s) Ward. |
| Feb 21, 2025 | Bill scheduled to be heard by FIN on Monday, 02-24-25 12:00PM in House conference room 308 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Feb 12, 2025 | Passed Second Reading as amended in HD 1 and referred to the committee(s) on FIN with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and Representative(s) Cochran, Sayama, Ward excused (3). |
| Feb 12, 2025 | Reported from HSH (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 433) as amended in HD 1, recommending passage on Second Reading and referral to FIN. |
| Feb 6, 2025 | The committee on HSH recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes were as follows: 9 Ayes: Representative(s) Marten, Olds, Amato, Chun, Keohokapu-Lee Loy, Takayama, Takenouchi, Alcos, Garcia; Ayes with reservations: none; 0 Noes: none; and 0 Excused: none. |
| Jan 31, 2025 | Bill scheduled to be heard by HSH on Thursday, 02-06-25 10:00AM in House conference room 329 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Jan 21, 2025 | Referred to HSH, FIN, referral sheet 1 |
| Jan 16, 2025 | Introduced and Pass First Reading. |
| Jan 15, 2025 | Pending introduction. |
|
Date
|
Description
|
Location
|
Votes
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 8, 2025 | Third Reading | Senate Floor |
Passed |
|
| Apr 2, 2025 | The committee(s) on WAM recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | Senate Standing Committee on Ways and Means |
Passed |
|
| Mar 12, 2025 | The committee(s) on HHS recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED | Senate Standing Committee on Health and Human Services |
Passed |
|
| Mar 4, 2025 | Third Reading | House Floor |
Passed |
|
| Feb 24, 2025 | The committee on FIN recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | House Standing Committee on Finance |
Passed |
|
| Feb 6, 2025 | The committee on HSH recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | House Standing Committee on Human Services & Homelessness |
Passed |
This list shows positions taken on this bill by organizations on the date displayed, which is linked to the original source.
Positions by individuals are not included.
|
Organization
|
Position
|
Date
|
|---|---|---|
| County of Hawaiʻi Office of Housing and Community Development | *** Support | Apr 2, 2025 |
| Department of Land and Natural Resources | *** Support | Apr 2, 2025 |
| Hawaiʻi Lodging & Tourism Association | *** Support | Apr 2, 2025 |
| Institute for Human Services | *** Support | Apr 2, 2025 |
| Office of Housing and Community Development of the County of Hawaiʻi | ** Support | |
| Office of the Public Defender | ** Support | |
| Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions | ** Support | |
| Waikiki Neighborhood Board | *** Support | Apr 2, 2025 |
STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1750
Honolulu, Hawaii
RE: H.B. No. 212
H.D. 2
S.D. 1
Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi
President of the Senate
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2025
State of Hawaii
Sir:
Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred H.B. No. 212, H.D. 2, entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO HOMELESSNESS,"
begs leave to report as follows:
The purpose and intent of this measure is to require, and appropriate moneys for, the Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions to establish a permanent Return-to-Home Program to help homeless persons in Hawaii return to families and relatives in the persons' home states.
Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources, County of Hawaii Office of Housing and Community Development, Waikiki Neighborhood Board, Institute for Human Services, Hawaii Lodging and Tourism Association, and three individuals.
Your Committee received written comments on this measure from the State Council on Mental Health.
Your Committee finds that the Return-to-Home Pilot Program that was established in 2023 has successfully reunited more than one hundred homeless individuals with their families. Your Committee believes that establishing the program as a permanent statewide initiative will ensure that more homeless individuals who wish to return to their home state are given the support and resources to do so.
Your Committee has amended this measure by changing the effective date to July 1, 2050, to facilitate further discussion on the measure.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 212, H.D. 2, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 212, H.D. 2, S.D. 1.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,
|
|
|
________________________________ DONOVAN M. DELA CRUZ, Chair |
|
|
|
|
STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1150
Honolulu, Hawaii
RE: H.B. No. 212
H.D. 2
Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi
President of the Senate
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2025
State of Hawaii
Sir:
Your Committee on Health and Human Services, to which was referred H.B. No. 212, H.D. 2, entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO HOMELESSNESS,"
begs leave to report as follows:
The purpose and intent of this measure is to require the Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions to establish a permanent Return-to-Home Program to return homeless individuals in the State to families and relatives in their home states.
Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions; Office of the Public Defender; Office of Housing and Community Development of the County of Hawaiʻi; The Institute for Human Services, Inc.; Waikiki Neighborhood Board; and six individuals.
Your Committee received comments on this measure from the State Council on Mental Health.
Your Committee finds that the Return-to-Home Pilot Program established by Act 94, Session Laws of Hawaii 2023, has been a success, sending over one hundred homeless individuals back to their home states in the State's partnership with The Institute for Human Services, Inc. Your Committee further finds that with only $50,000 in funding per year, the Return-to-Home Pilot Program has sent one hundred thirty-seven out-of-state homeless individuals back to their families on the mainland, saving the State's taxpayers an estimated $11.2 million. Your Committee notes that the Return-to-Home Pilot Program sunsets on January 1, 2026. By expanding the Return-to-Home Pilot Program into a permanent, statewide initiative with proper funding, this measure ensures that more individuals have the opportunity to return home, where they can access the help and community they need to overcome the challenges of homelessness.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Health and Human Services that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 212, H.D. 2, and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Health and Human Services,
|
|
|
________________________________ JOY A. SAN BUENAVENTURA, Chair |
|
|
|
|
STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1018
Honolulu, Hawaii
, 2025
RE: H.B. No. 212
H.D. 2
Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura
Speaker, House of Representatives
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2025
State of Hawaii
Madame:
Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred H.B. No. 212, H.D. 1, entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO HOMELESSNESS,"
begs leave to report as follows:
The purpose of this measure is to:
(1) Require and appropriate funds for the Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions to establish a permanent Return-to-Home Program to return homeless individuals in the State to families and relatives in their home states;
(2) Require the Office to submit annual reports to the Legislature regarding the Return-to-Home Program.
Your Committee has amended this measure by changing the number of positions to assist and supervise the Return-to-Home Program to an unspecified number.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Finance that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 212, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 212, H.D. 2.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Finance,
|
|
|
____________________________ KYLE T. YAMASHITA, Chair |
|
|
|
|
STAND. COM. REP. NO. 433
Honolulu, Hawaii
, 2025
RE: H.B. No. 212
H.D. 1
Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura
Speaker, House of Representatives
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2025
State of Hawaii
Madame:
Your Committee on Human Services & Homelessness, to which was referred H.B. No. 212 entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO HOMELESSNESS,"
begs leave to report as follows:
Your Committee finds that Hawaii continues to face one of the highest per capita rates of homelessness in the nation. Many of these individuals are recent arrivals from out of state, placing additional strain on local outreach and shelter programs. The Return-to-Home Pilot Program, established by Act 94, Session Laws of Hawaii 2023, has successfully assisted over one hundred homeless individuals in voluntarily returning to their home states, reducing demand on local resources. Given its effectiveness, expanding the program with additional resources would further its impact. This measure establishes the Return-to-Home Program as a permanent initiative to ensure continued support for those seeking to return home.
Your Committee has amended this measure by:
(1) Subjecting, rather than exempting, all entities competing for contracts in the program to a competitive procurement bidding process;
(2) Adding additional requirements for an individual's participation in the Return-to-Home Program;
(3) Changing the effective date to July 1, 3000, to encourage further discussion; and
(4) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Human Services & Homelessness that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 212, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 212, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Finance.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Human Services & Homelessness,
|
|
|
____________________________ LISA MARTEN, Chair |
|
|
|
|
|
Date
|
Testimony PDF
|
|---|---|
| Apr 2, 2025 | HB212_HD2_TESTIMONY_WAM_04-02-25_.PDF |
| Mar 12, 2025 | HB212_HD2_TESTIMONY_HHS_03-12-25_.PDF |
| Feb 24, 2025 | HB212_HD1_TESTIMONY_FIN_02-24-25_.PDF |
| Feb 6, 2025 | HB212_TESTIMONY_HSH_02-06-25_.PDF |
Discussed in Hearing
35SEC
Conference Committee
2MIN
Conference Committee
2MIN
Conference Committee
3MIN
Senate Standing Committee on Agriculture and Environment
3MIN
Senate Standing Committee on Health and Human Services
3MIN
Senate Standing Committee on Housing
4MIN
House Standing Committee on Finance
11MIN
House Standing Committee on Human Services & Homelessness
Bill Author
