SCR 212: REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES TO ASSESS THE FEASIBILITY OF IMPLEMENTING A SENIOR CITIZEN DISCOUNT PROGRAM TO PROVIDE A TWENTY PERCENT DISCOUNT ON CERTAIN GOODS AND SERVICES FOR LOW- TO MODERATE-INCOME ELDERS IN THE STATE.

SENATE CONCURRENT

RESOLUTION

REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES TO ASSESS THE FEASIBILITY OF IMPLEMENTING A SENIOR CITIZEN DISCOUNT PROGRAM TO PROVIDE A TWENTY PERCENT DISCOUNT ON CERTAIN GOODS AND SERVICES FOR LOW- TO MODERATE-INCOME ELDERS IN THE STATE.

WHEREAS, many elders in the State struggle with Hawaii's high cost of living; and

WHEREAS, elders who age at home pay an average of $4,814 per month for home healthcare costs, in addition to other expenses such as housing, utilities, and food; and

WHEREAS, the financial burden on elders can lead to increased stress, reduced quality of life, and difficulty in affording essential needs; and

WHEREAS, in 2010, the Philippines implemented a senior citizen discount program under Republic Act 9994, also known as the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010, to alleviate the financial strain on elders by providing a twenty percent discount on food, housing, utility services, and other goods and services; and

WHEREAS, implementing a similar discount program in Hawaii would provide significant financial relief to the State's elderly residents, ensuring that they can afford basic necessities while maintaining their independence and dignity; and

WHEREAS, the Department of Human Services is well-positioned to assess the feasibility of such a program and determine its potential benefits and implementation challenges; now, therefore,

     BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Thirty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2025, the House of Representatives concurring, that the Department of Human Services is requested to conduct a study to assess the feasibility of offering a twenty percent discount for all low- and moderate-income residents aged sixty-five and older on expenditures for:

     (1)  Housing, including subsidized rent or public housing;

     (2)  Utilities;

     (3)  Food; and

     (4)  Prescription drugs; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Human Services is requested to submit a report of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the Legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2026; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a certified copy of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the Director of Human Services.

Report Title: 

Department of Human Services; Senior Citizen Discount; Study; Report