HB 244: DHS; Community-based Organizations; Social Services; Appropriations

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES.

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

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that vulnerable populations in Hawaii, including individuals experiencing homelessness, children, and those in need of mental health or social services, face significant challenges that hinder their well-being and stability.  These issues have become exacerbated by a rising demand for services, stagnant government contract funding, and increasing operational costs, including significant insurance premium hikes following the 2023 Maui wildfires.

     The legislature further finds that community-based organizations are vital partners in delivering critical services on behalf of the department of human services and that, by strengthening collaborations with service providers, the department can enhance program delivery and improve access to essential services such as administering benefits, providing work-training and employment support, strengthening child care programs, addressing homelessness, and reducing the harmful effects of a punitive incarceration system, among other services.  Additionally, families in Hawaii depend on this network of community-based organizations as a human services safety net.

     The legislature also finds that the department of human services contracts with community-based organizations to provide critical services, but contract rates have not increased in many years and fail to cover full program costs.  Community-based organizations have attempted to fill the gap between funding levels and demand for services through their own fundraising efforts but are finding the growing gap insurmountable.  If the gap between funding levels and demand for services is not mitigated by increased state funding, community-based organizations will have to decline contracts or reduce the amount of services provided, despite the community need; some will be unable to sustain operations.  According to a 2022 survey of Hawaii community-based nonprofit organizations, ninety-one per cent had government contract budgets that fell below the full operating costs required to provide the contracted services.  Of those, seventy-nine per cent always or often had to cut administrative costs.

     The purpose of this Act is to provide increased funding for the department of human services to collaborate with contracted community-based organizations to address the need for social services in Hawaii.

     SECTION 2.  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 department of human services to collaborate with contracted community-based organizations to address the need for social services in the State; provided that the funds shall be equitably distributed and allocated as follows:

     (1)  $           for child protective services (HMS 301);

     (2)  $           for adult protective and community care services (HMS 601);

     (3)  $           for vocational rehabilitation (HMS 802);

     (4)  $           for homeless services (HMS 224);

     (5)  $           for general support for child care (HMS 302);

     (6)  $           for general support for self-sufficiency services (HMS 903);

     (7)  $           for general support for health care payments (HMS 902); and

     (8)  $           for in-community youth programs (HMS 501).

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

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect on December 31, 2050.

Report Title:

DHS; Community-based Organizations; Social Services; Appropriations

Description:

Appropriates funds for the Department of Human Services to collaborate with contracted community-based organizations to address the need for social services in the State.  Effective 12/31/2050.  (SD1)

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

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES.

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

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that vulnerable populations in Hawaii, including individuals experiencing homelessness, children, and those in need of mental health or social services, face significant challenges that hinder their well-being and stability.  These issues have become exacerbated by a rising demand for services, stagnant government contract funding, and increasing operational costs, including significant insurance hikes following the 2023 Maui wildfires.

     The legislature further finds that community-based organizations are vital partners in delivering critical services on behalf of the department of human services and that, by strengthening collaborations with service providers, the department can enhance program delivery and improve access to essential services such as administering benefits, providing work-training and employment support, strengthening child care programs, addressing homelessness, and reducing the harmful effects of a punitive incarceration system, among other services.  Additionally, families in Hawaii depend on this network of community-based organizations as a human services safety net.

     The legislature also finds that the department of human services contracts with community-based organizations to provide critical services, but contract rates have not increased in many years and fail to cover full program costs.  Community-based organizations have attempted to fill the gap between funding levels and demand for services through their own fundraising efforts but are finding the growing gap insurmountable.  If the gap between funding levels and demand for services is not mitigated by increased state funding, community-based organizations will have to decline contracts or reduce the amount of services provided, despite the community need; some will be unable to sustain operations.  According to a 2022 survey of Hawaii community-based nonprofit organizations, ninety-one per cent had government contract budgets that fell below the full operating costs required to provide the contracted services.  Of those, seventy-nine per cent always or often had to cut administrative costs.

     The purpose of this Act is to provide increased funding for the department of human services to collaborate with contracted community-based organizations to address the need for social services in Hawaii.

     SECTION 2.  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 department of human services to collaborate with contracted community-based organizations to address the need for social services in the State; provided that the funds shall be equitably distributed and allocated as follows:

     (1)  $           for child protective services (HMS 301);

     (2)  $           for adult protective and community care services (HMS 601);

     (3)  $           for vocational rehabilitation (HMS 802);

     (4)  $           for homeless services (HMS 224);

     (5)  $           for general support for child care (HMS 302);

     (6)  $           for general support for self-sufficiency services (HMS 903);

     (7)  $           for general support for health care payments (HMS 902); and

     (8)  $           for in-community youth programs (HMS 501).

     The sums 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, 3000.

Report Title:

Department of Human Services; Community-based Organizations; Social Services; Appropriation

Description:

Appropriates funds for the department of human services to collaborate with contracted community-based organizations to address the need for social services in the State.  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.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to the department of human services.

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

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that vulnerable populations in Hawaii, including individuals experiencing homelessness, children, and those in need of mental health or social services, face significant challenges that hinder their well-being and stability.  These issues have become exacerbated by a rising demand for services, stagnant government contract funding, and increasing operational costs, including significant insurance hikes following the 2023 Maui wildfires.

     The legislature further finds that community-based organizations are vital partners in delivering critical services on behalf of the department of human services and that, by strengthening collaborations with service providers, the department can enhance program delivery and improve access to essential services such as administering benefits, providing work-training and employment support, strengthening child care programs, addressing homelessness, and reducing the harmful effects of a punitive incarceration system, among other services.  Additionally, families in Hawaii depend on this network of community-based organizations as a human services safety net.

     The legislature also finds that the department of human services contracts with community-based organizations to provide critical services, but contract rates have not increased in many years and fail to cover full program costs.  Community-based organizations have attempted to fill the gap between funding levels and demand for services through their own fundraising efforts but are finding the growing gap insurmountable.  If the gap between funding levels and demand for services is not mitigated by increased state funding, community-based organizations will have to decline contracts or reduce the amount of services provided, despite the community need; some will be unable to sustain operations.  According to a 2022 survey of Hawaii community-based nonprofit organizations, ninety-one per cent had government contract budgets that fell below the full operating costs required to provide the contracted services.  Of those, seventy-nine per cent always or often had to cut administrative costs.

     The purpose of this Act is to provide increased funding for the department of human services to collaborate with community-based organizations to address the need for social services in Hawaii.

     SECTION 2.  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 department of human services to collaborate with community-based organizations to address the need for social services in the State.

     The sums 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, 2025.

Report Title:

Department of Human Services; Community-based Organizations; Social Services; Appropriation

Description:

Appropriates funds for the department of human services to collaborate with community-based organizations to address the need for social services in the State.

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

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1780

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    H.B. No. 244

       H.D. 1

       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. 244, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to appropriate moneys for the Department of Human Services to collaborate with contracted community-based organizations to address the State's social services needs.

     Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Hawaii Youth Services Network, Easterseals Hawaii, Community Alliance on Prisons, Parents and Children Together, Hawaii Substance Abuse Coalition, Hawaii Health and Harm Reduction Center, Child and Family Service, Hawaii Foodbank, Hawaii Community Foundation, Hawaii Public Health Institute, Hawaii True Cost Coalition, numerous other organizations, and five individuals.

     Your Committee received written comments on this measure from the Department of Human Services.

     Your Committee finds that the State's community-based organizations provide childcare, workforce training, homelessness services, mental health services, and other valuable assistance.  The moneys appropriated by this measure will help ensure that vulnerable populations in the State continue to have access to these services, regardless of any federal budget changes.

     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. 244, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1191

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    H.B. No. 244

       H.D. 1

       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 Health and Human Services, to which was referred H.B. No. 244, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to appropriate funds for the Department of Human Services to collaborate with contracted community-based organizations to address the need for social services in the State.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from Parents and Children Together; Hawaiʻi State Coalition Against Domestic Violence; Community Alliance on Prisons; Hawaiʻi Youth Services Network; Hawaiʻi Children's Action Network Speaks!; Child & Family Service; Hawaiʻi Health & Harm Reduction Center; Hawaiʻi Food Bank; AlohaCare; Kumukahi Health + Wellness; Hawaii Substance Abuse Coalition; Easterseals Hawaii; Hale Kipa, Inc.; YWCA of Kauaʻi; Hawaiʻi Public Health Institute; Hawaiʻi True Cost Coalition; Aloha United Way; Catholic Charities Hawaiʻi; Epic ʻOhana; Goodwill Hawaii; Lanakila Pacific; The Institute for Human Services, Inc.; The Mediation Center of the Pacific, Inc.; Maui Economic Opportunity, Inc.; Partners Development Foundation; Responsive Caregivers of Hawaii; Samaritan Counseling Center Hawaii; Spirit Horse Ranch; Hawaiʻi Alliance of Nonprofit Organizations; YMCA of Honolulu; Share Your Mana; Adult Friends for Youth; Hawaiʻi Community Foundation; and ten individuals.

     Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from one individual.

     Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Human Services and one individual.

     Your Committee finds that community-based organizations are vital partners in delivering critical services on behalf of the Department of Human Services, and by strengthening collaborations with service providers, the Department of Human Services can enhance program delivery and improve access to essential services, such as administering benefits, providing work-training and employment support, strengthening child care programs, addressing homelessness, and reducing the harmful effects of a punitive incarceration system, for individuals in need.  Your Committee further finds that the Department of Human Services contracts with community-based organizations to provide critical services, but contract rates have not increased for many years and fail to cover full program costs.  Your Committee acknowledges that if the gap between funding levels and demand for services is not mitigated by increased state funding, community-based organizations will have to decline contracts or reduce the amount of services provided, despite the community need.  This measure provides funding for the Department of Human Services to continue to collaborate with contracted community-based organizations to improve access to benefits, childcare, workforce training, and homelessness services while promoting stability and well-being in the State's communities.

     Your Committee has amended this measure by:

     (1)  Inserting an effective date of December 31, 2050, to encourage further discussion; and

     (2)  Making a technical, nonsubstantive amendment for the purposes of clarity and consistency.

     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. 244, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 244, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, 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,

STAND. COM. REP. NO.  961

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2025

RE:   H.B. No. 244

      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 Finance, to which was referred H.B. No. 244, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to provide increased funding for the Department of Human Services to collaborate with contracted community-based organizations to address the need for social services in Hawaii.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Hawaii Substance Abuse Coalition; Easterseals Hawaii; Hawaiʻi Health & Harm Reduction Center; YWCA of Kauaʻi; Hawaiʻi Youth Services Network; Parents And Children Together; Hawaiʻi Alliance of Nonprofit Organizations; Catholic Charities Hawaiʻi; Community Alliance on Prisons; Hawaiʻi True Cost Coalition; The Institute for Human Services, Inc; Aloha United Way; Child & Family Service; EPIC ʻOhana; Goodwill Hawaii; The Mediation Center of the Pacific, Inc.; Lanakila Pacific; Maui Economic Opportunity, Inc.; Partners in Development Foundation; Responsive Caregivers of Hawaii; Samaritan Counseling Center Hawaiʻi; Spirit Horse Ranch; YMCA of Honolulu; AlohaCare; Partners in Care – Oʻahu Continuum of Care; Hawaiʻi Children's Action Network Speaks!; Hawaiʻi State Coalition Against Domestic Violence; Share Your Mana; Hawaii Appleseed Center for Law & Economic Justice; U.S.VETS Waiʻanae; and four individuals.  Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Human Services and Hawaii Coalition for Child Protective Reform.

     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. 244, H.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Finance,

STAND. COM. REP. NO.  523

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2025

RE:   H.B. No. 244

      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. 244 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to appropriate funds for the Department of Human Services to collaborate with community-based organizations to address the need for social services in the State.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Hawai‘i Youth Services Network; Hawaii Substance Abuse Coalition; Share Your Mana; Community Alliance on Prisons; Hina Mauka; Hawai‘i Children's Action Network Speaks!; Hawai‘i True Cost Coalition; Aloha United Way; Catholic Charities Hawai‘i; Child & Family Service; Epic ‘Ohana; Goodwill Hawaii; Hawai‘i Health & Harm Reduction Center; The Institute for Human Services, Inc.; Lanakila Pacific; The Meditation Center of the Pacific, Inc.; Maui Economic Opportunity, Inc.; Partners in Development Foundation; Responsive Caregivers of Hawaii; Samaritan Counseling Center Hawaii; YMCA of Honolulu; Parents And Children Together; YWCA Kaua‘i; Adult Friends for Youth; AlohaCare; Hawai‘i Foodbank; Hawai‘i State Coalition Against Domestic Violence; and two individuals.  Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Human Services and one individual.

     Your Committee finds that vulnerable populations in Hawaii, including individuals experiencing homelessness, children, and those in need of mental health or social services, face increasing challenges due to rising service demands and stagnant government contract funding.  Community-based organizations play a critical role in delivering these essential services, yet many struggle with inadequate funding that fails to cover full program costs.  Without increased support from the State, these organizations may be forced to reduce services or cease operations.  This measure provides increased funding to the Department of Human Services to strengthen partnerships with community-based organizations, ensuring continued access to vital programs that support the well-being and stability of Hawaii's most vulnerable residents.

     Your Committee has amended this measure by:

     (1)  Inserting language to ensure equitable distribution of allocated funds to the various divisions within the Department of Human Services with contracted community-based organizations;

     (2)  Changing the effective date to July 1, 3000, to encourage further discussion; and

     (3)  Making a technical, nonsubstantive amendment for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

     Your Committee respectfully requests your Committee on Finance, should it deliberate on this measure, to consider an appropriation amount of $21,294,990 for child protective services (HMS 301); $205,985 for adult protective and community care services (HMS 601); $1,513,789 for vocational rehabilitation (HMS 802); $3,034,623 for homeless services (HMS 224); $1,023,620 for general support for child care (HMS 302); $10,652,886 for general support for self-sufficiency (HMS 903); $1,358,859 for general support for health care payments (HMS 902); and $2,317,212 for in-community youth programs (HMS 501).

     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. 244, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 244, 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,