House Standing Committee on Human Services & Homelessness

Aloha. Good morning. We are convening the Committee on Human Services and homelessness. Tuesday, February 17, 2026 and room 9:30am Aloha amahalo no ka heleanamai and first up on our agenda we have HB2116HD1 relating to grants distributed by the Office of Community Services to nonprofit organizations providing opportunities for training and volunteerism.

And first up, we have in support the Aloha United Way. Not here, also at Catholic Charities of Hawaii in support.

Good morning, chair, Members of the Committee. I'm Betty Lou Larson from Catholic Charities Hawaii. And we really want to thank the Legislature for trying to be proactive and thinking of ways that we can really serve our most vulnerable people when the regular federal cuts start happening.

And I think this is one way to really help to reintegrate them. I personally know of one gentleman under a bridge who, you know, has skills but is very fearful, you know, really needs help to reintegrate, but could have that possibility if a program like this could pay enough attention, could really help him.

And I think there are others like that. So we really thank you for your proactive stance on this Bill. Thank you.

Thank you very much. Do we have on zoom Aloha Care not present in support Hawaii Children's Action Network speaks. On zoom

Aloha Chair, vice chair, Members of the Committee, Hawaii Children's Action Network speaks is also concerned about the changes to federal programs eligibility rules.

So this sort of proactive action from the state to have some nonprofits help people who otherwise would be falling off because of the rule changes will be a great type of assistance for families who are struggling to make ends meet here in Hawaii. So thank you for hearing this Bill and please support it.

Thank you very much. We also have written testimony in support from the Office of Community Services, DLIR from the Hawaii Substance Abuse Coalition, Hawaii Food Bank, Hina Mauka, Hawaii Appleseed, Hawaii Community Foundation, Hawaii Primary Care association, and again, Hawaii Children's Action Network speaks. Is there anyone else wishing to testify on this measure?

Seeing none. Members, are there any questions for our testifier? Seeing none. We will move on to our next measure which is relating to HB 1879 HD1 relating to public transport. It establishes within the DOT a subsidized youth transit program to be coordinated with counties. And first up, we have in support in person the Department of Health.

Good morning, Chair Martin and Members of the Committee. I'm Lola Irvin representing the Department of Health. The Department of Health supports HB 1879 HD1 and we work towards improving and promoting health. And that means also providing equitable opportunities to be healthy and for youth.

HB 1871 HD1 provides that equitable access to transportation and to act active transportation, meaning that 18% of our youth, only 18% meet physical activity needs. And those who take active transportation or public transportation are more likely than to walk or bike to get to their destination and then to use the public transportation.

It's also an issue of access and equity and so this also would provide equitable opportunities. I was one of those kids who didn't have those equitable opportunities and I could go to places if I had the bus fare to go. And so I appreciate the opportunity that this Bill would provide. Thank you.

Thank you very much for your testimony.

We have a Department of Taxation in person.

The Department of Taxation stands in our testimony with comments.

Thank you very much. And just to clarify, your testimony is basically just to change the effective date?

That we can administer it by July 1, 2026.

And then we have the Hawaii Department of Education in person in support. Not here. Hawaii State Energy Office.

Chair the Energy Office stands on its written testimony and comments.

Thank you very much. The Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission

Aloha Chair Members of the Committee Leah Laramie with Climate Change Mitigation Adaptation Commission. We stand on our testimony in support and have additional comments available for questions.

Thank you very much. Aloha United Way in support. Hawaii Bicycling League in support. Not present. Hawaii Apple Seed Center for Justice in person in support

Aloha Chair Vice Chair Members of the Committee My name is Abbey Seitz. I'm testifying behalf of Hawaii Appleseed in strong support of this measure. We support it as free transit has been shown to reduce transportation costs for families, expand access to school and recreational activities, lower emissions and traffic congestion and enable our young people to be confident and independent.

So while we have a patchwork of existing free transit programs across the state, this is uneven and leaves behind thousands of our youth solely because of where they live, how old they are and what type of school they attend.

In our written testimony we have detailed some suggested amendments, mainly focusing on on making sure that the program is universal. National and local best practices show that having no means testing is the best way to ensure that those who most need the program can benefit from it. Thank you for this opportunity to testify. Thank you very much.

Do we have the Department of Transportation on zoom in support Hawaiian Children's Action Network Speaks. Go ahead, Nicole.

Hello Chair and Vice Chair. We also support this Bill. We believe that you get free access to buses can have better chances of taking advantage of opportunities for growth and development. So please pass this Bill. Thank you.

Thank you very much. Do we have Jonathan Lott in person, Individual support. Okay, we're moving to Zoom now. The rest of Zoom, the Hawaii State Youth Commission.

Aloha, Chair, Vice Chair, Members of the Committee. My name is Vivian Hill. I serve on the Environment Committee of the Hawaii State Youth Commission and I'm speaking today on behalf of the Commission in strong support of HB 1879. I stand on our written testimony, but would like to briefly highlight two things.

First, transportation is a basic educational necessity. When young people have reliable no cost transit, they attend school more consistently and can access after school programs and student supports. Second, free youth transit is a proven climate solution. It reduces dependence on cars, builds long term public transit use and lowers emissions by taking vehicles off the road.

This Bill supports Hawaii's climate commitments while making mobility more equitable for youth across the state. Therefore, the State Youth Commission respectfully urges the Committee to pass this Bill. Mahalo for the opportunity to test.

Thank you very much. Next we have Hawaii Public Health Institute in support on Zoom. Are they there?

Good morning Chair, Vice Chair, Members of the Committee. My name is Patti Hatzistavrakis and I am the Active Transportation specialist with Hawaii Public Health Institute.

The Health Institute as well as the Healthy Eating and Active Living Statewide Coalition support this measure and stand on our comments, including respectfully requesting an amendment to extend free student bus passes to all DOE students rather than limiting eligible eligibility to only those who qualify for free and reduced price lunches, among others, transportation is a key driver of school attendance and even small fare increases create real barriers as Hawaii's cost of living continues to rise.

Keiki make up about 20% of our population, yet have some of the most limited mobility options. Although providing free transit for youth whose households qualify for free and reduced price lunches as well as others is a step in the right direction.

Universal access would remove income barriers, improve attendance, reduce traffic and emissions and connect youth with education, healthcare and economic opportunities. We hope to see a future where all of our youth are riding public transit on a regular basis. Thank you so much for your opportunity to testify.

Thank you very much. We also have our Children's Trust on Zoom in support.

Aloha, Vice Chair, Members of the Committee. My name is Doorae Shin with Our Children's Trust.

Our organization with Earth justice represented the 13 youth plaintiffs in the Navajine case which resulted in the landmark settlement in June of 2024 requiring the state to achieve zero emissions in the transportation sector by 2045 this is a court enforced obligation and and access to public transit is a key solution to get people out of their cars into other modes of transportation, subsequently reducing greenhouse gases.

We stand in strong support of HB 1879. We also acknowledge there are other bills that increase youth transit access. But this Bill is the most comprehensive and universal. We can look towards Washington State which has found great success with their universal youth transit program. And we love to see Hawaii youth experience experience these benefits. Mahalo for the opportunity to testify.

Thank you very much. Next up we have Greenpeace.

Good morning Dave Mulinix Greenpeace Hawaii to some free bus passes might be seen as a giveaway. We have to be careful not to see this as a giveaway. What we're actually talking about here is an investment in our future. We are in a growing climate crisis. Hit it off a cliff.

If we don't avert our course quickly we will reach uncoverable tipping points. So we have to dramatically lower our emissions as quickly as possible. Free bus passes will dramatically reduce the number of vehicles on our roads and dramatically lowering our emissions. We invested $12 billion in the rail with that goal.

The bus collects about $43 million in fares currently compared to $12 billion. That's a pretty low investment in our future. If we have free bus passes instead of building the rail, we would already have thousands of cars off the roads. We'd be much better along in making our 20450 emission goals.

Please look at this as an investment. Please pass this. It's one of the best things I think that we can do to cut our emissions. Thank you very much for hearing this Bill and please pass it.

Thank you very much Dave. Next up we have Hawaii Youth Transportation Council vice chair Members of the Committee.

My name is Luca Cuniberti. I'm the policy and legislation Committee chair here at the HYTC. You know we're standing in strong support of Bill 1879. Really stands our goals as a council of the energy security and waste reduction proposal and also amplifying youth voices and freedoms and in transportation and across our state.

You know you may refer to our testimony but I did want to highlight. I know some people talked about amendments. We just looking for some clarifying amendments in terms of guardians broadening the categories. We appreciate the HD one that came through. It was very.

We like the language in it but we just want to make sure that as many youth as possible are able to use this. So highlighting that kid youth that attend Title 1 funding schools or just attended High Doe School are able to get the free youth changes as well.

And then just also looking at the youth accompanying age as well. So again, mahalo. Thank you for your time.

Thank you very much. Next up, we have some individuals in support Jon June is Mia here.

Aloha chair, vice chair and Members of the Committee. My name is Miya Nishiguchi, a senior at Kalani High School and the chairperson of the Hawaii Transportation Council. And I stand in strong support for HB 1879. I have personally dug through families coin jars to find quarters for the bus very frantically.

And I have witnessed classmates panic when they forgot bus pass or did not make enough money there. For students living in unstable housing situations or doubled up with relatives, even a few dollars per day becomes a real barrier.

Public education in Hawaii is free and the pathway to get there should not be what prevents a child from accessing it. Keikuride free ensures that no child's access to school, shelter services, food distribution programs, healthcare or community support depends on spare change in a pocket. Additionally, expanding roof youth ridership.

Supports statewide climate and public health goals by reducing road, traffic and emissions. But beyond climate benefits, this is about stability, dignity and prevention. I respectfully ask you support HB 1879 and ensure that every keiki in Hawaii can have access to the services, education and stability that they deserve. Mahalo for the opportunity to testify.

Thank you Mia for your testimony. Next up, we have not present in support.

We also had tested written testimony and support from some Honolulu City Council Members and three of them get Fit Hawaii Ulupano Initiative, Green Party of Hawaii, Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization, Kauai Climate Action Coalition, 350 Hawaii Democratic Party of Hawaii Education Caucus, Earth justice and some more than 50 individuals. This Bill has generated a lot of support Members.

Are there any questions of our testifiers? DOT signed up to be here on Zoom, but they were not present. Still not present.

Yeah. DOT is not here. No other questions. Okay. Chairman. Yeah, maybe if you want to ask, I spoke extensively to dot.

Okay.

Yeah.

And maybe I know Luca from Hawaii Youth Transportation Council was on zoom. I'm just really curious how this is supposed to be walked out on our neighbor islands. Because the bus is free on the Big Island.

Yeah. So currently the bus is free for everyone on the Big Island. On Maui, it's already free for youth. So the changes would be on Oahu and Kauai, though in the long run, that could save the county some dollars. Right. There could be a transfer of funds from the state to the county for other purposes of providing.

You know, they can calculate what Percentage of their riders or youth, something like that. I think that maybe we can have a conversation online. The challenge I have is Big island is very rural and so some of the buses can't make it into our rural roads where a lot of our youth are.

And so I'm just trying to figure out how to get like a hub and spoke program for our kids who are in these rural areas out to a transit line so that all of it is free.

Yeah, I think that is beyond the scope of this Bill, but I appreciate that insight. Okay. No other questions. We will move on to our next measure, HB2214, relating to tax credits. This is a $50 refundable diaper tax credit restricted to low income residents with children four years.

And younger. and we had a lot of testing on the last Bill, so I have to find my way to this one. Okay, we have the Hawaii Department of Taxation in person.

Can I stand on my written testimony with comments or did you.

Why don't you go ahead and tell us what your concern is?

We recommend making the credit non refundable and to clarify the definition of some terms necessary, diapering supplies, diaper expenses to be able to administer this tax. Thank you.

And then on Zoom, we have in support, or, sorry, the Hawaii Diaper Bank. Are they present?

Present. Hi there. Thank you, chair and vice Chair and other Members of the Committee for having me here today. My name is Hannah London and I am the Deputy Director of Hawaii Diaper Bank. I am here in support of HB 2214 and I stand on my written testimony.

I would, however, like to add that I've been working in this field for over a decade trying to help families that are struggling with diabe diaper need, the inability to keep their children clean and healthy. And unfortunately, the problem keeps getting worse for families.

When I started out, there were one in three families that struggled with diaper need. And today one in two families struggles with diaper need. We hear from countless families that it is getting harder and harder to make ends meet. And this small amount will provide a huge impact for the families that we serve.

And we really, you know, appreciate your partnership and hopefully help to, you know, make this a systemic change for the families that we are working with. Thank you today.

Thank you very much. We have Hawaii Children's Action Network speaks on zoom.

Aloha again. Hawai' I Children's Action Network Speak supports this Bill for the same reasons that Hannah just talked about.

A number of states have been addressing diaper need through tax credits or reducing the sales Tax on diapers because of the need to respond to what the Department of Taxation said for low income families here in Hawaii, many of them don't owe income tax. That's the most progressive part of our tax system.

But our GET is very heavy on them. They pay more of their income in GET than in other than higher income people do as a portion of their income. So in this state we started the food excise tax credit many years ago.

It's an income tax credit to help families get back that GET that they are paying at the cash register. And having it refundable is very important because for these low income families it's a way for them to actually get money back like a tax refund.

And so if it's not refundable, then the lower income families probably won't be receiving the tax credit because they already don't owe a whole lot of income tax. So just to let you understand why refundable vs non refundable. But please pass this Bill. Thank you,

thank you for that. Next up we have the Tax Foundation of Hawaii on zoom with comments not present. We also had written testimony in support from the National Vapor Bank Network, Early Childhood Action Strategy, American association of University Women and three individuals. Is there anyone else wishing to testify on this measure?

Seeing none Members, are there any questions for our testifiers? Okay, I have a question for the Department of Translation. So this, this Bill would only apply to families that have a child four years or younger and meet income requirements. Is that, is that easy for you guys to get that information about family composition?

They just submit that with their dates are on the tax return. Okay, thank you very much. All right, there are no other questions. We'll move on to our next measure, HB2310 making an emergency appropriation to the Department of Human Services.

This is to pay back the portion that was not covered by TANF reserve funds when the State gave out $250 in SNAP benefits when the Federal Government was planning to not Fund that. And first up we have the Department of Human Services in person

standard everything testimony. Thank you, Chair.

I did not see you. Okay. And then we have Catholic Charities Hawaii in person

Aloha Chair, Vice Chair, Members of the Committee, I'm Betty Lou Larson with Catholic Chairs Hawaii. And we really have to express amazement and deep gratitude to the state and to DHS for stepping up in such swift action last year during the federal shutdown.

As we know, even one week without food stamps or I'm old, so I call them food SNAP would mean no food in the house and really would be very difficult for our families to get through. So this was great that they got through.

And I personally want to thank the DHS people in the room because I know they must have stepped up and worked very hard during that chaotic time. But now it's time to replenish it because we have to make sure that DHS has the capacity to respond in this way to future emergencies.

And these times when not only the Federal Government, but hurricane, all kinds of things, we don't know what's going to happen. So we really appreciate and respectfully ask that you pass this Bill to, to make sure that they can respond in a timely manner to whatever is needed in our state. Thank you.

Thank you very much. We also have in support of the Hawaii Public Health Institute.

Aloha, chair, vice chair and Committee Members. I'm Chris Caulfield from the Hawaii Public Health Institute and we're in support of this measure as you just heard from Catholic Charities.

We also want to mahalo the state, especially the Department of Human Services, this Committee and the Legislature for everything that they did to make sure that during the shutdown impacted working families had the financial stability they needed to survive. 140,000 SNAP enrolled SNAP users in our state.

And for them, the funds that were provided during the shutdown were an absolute lifeline to make sure that they could meet their, their needs and to take care of their, to make sure that they didn't go hungry. So we just wanted mahalo everyone who worked on that particular program.

This Committee, part of human Services, did a tremendous job and we also are in support of legislation that could expedite the financing to make them whole. Thank you very much.

Thank you very much. On zoom, we have in support Hawaii Children's Action Network. Speak.

Yes. Aloha, Chair, vice chair, Members of the Committee. We also mahalo the Governor and Department of Human Services and I'm sure legislators who are all involved in stepping up when the federal shutdown threatened thousands of low income families with not being able to afford to buy food because SNAP got cut off at the beginning of November.

More than half of SNAP recipients in Hawaii are in family with children, Families with children. And it also supports our local businesses. So we just, we're so proud of our state when this happened and that we did it quickly and efficiently. But now it's time to refill the coffers.

So thank you for hearing this Bill and please pass it.

Thank you very much. Next up, we have Hawaii Food Industry association in support on zoom.

Good morning, Chair, Vice chair, And Members of the Committee, I'm Alexis Chapman for HFIA. We are obviously in strong support and just want to echo the sentiments of some of the previous testifiers that.

Thank you so much to DHS and the Legislature and the Governor for being so proactive about making this happen in what was an incredibly stressful and challenging time for everyone involved. I don't know if anyone had the opportunity to be in a grocery store on that Monday when those funds went out, but I was.

And it was truly a tremendous experience. It was. You're surrounded by people who, for the first time in a long time, or maybe for the first time ever, were not stressing, you know, were not overwhelmed with stress about their gross grocery budget. And it was amazing that our state was able to make that happen.

And we really appreciate that and stand in strong support. Thank you.

Thank you very much for that insight. We also had written testimony and support from the office of the Governor, from Hawaii Food bank, from Hawaii Food Policy Foundation, Hawaii Primary Care association, and one individual. Is there anyone else wishing to testify on this measure? Please come up.

Oh, Aloha, chair, Vice chair, Members of the Committee, I'm Michelle Bartel with Aloha United Way. And I thought that we had submitted written testimony. We are very much also very grateful to the Governor, to DHS for their swift action.

I can tell you that calls to our 211 statewide helpline really rose dramatically during this time of need for our community. For SNAP beneficiaries, what normally would be about 150 calls or so a day to 211 spiked to over a thousand calls a day, and that lasted for several days.

We were very grateful to be able to surge up our own capacity to be able to respond to needs of the community. So we really do support. Stand in strong support of, as others have said, refilling those coffers so that DHS can be prepared to respond in the next eventual monsoon crisis. Mahalo.

Thank you very much. Is there anyone else wishing to testify on this measure? Seeing none Members, are there any questions for our testifiers? Go ahead.

Thank you. Chair Frederick, thank you for being here and thank you for stepping up during the November shutdown and making sure that our families got some resources to eat. My question is, when the Federal Government did reopen, were those monthly funds that they should have gotten at the beginning of November still put on their card?

In other words, was there back pay of. Of SNAP benefits? Back pay? Yeah. Back pay.

I don't think so. I'll. You. I'll Defer to my deputy, Joe Campos, and have him answer on the specifics on regarding the money movement and the impacts. Okay, thank you.

Hi, Ralph. Joseph Campos Deputy Director, Department of Human Services. So, yes, once the Federal Government reopened, their funding that they would have normally received for November was put on their account.

Okay, so this was just an additional supplement? Correct. Got it. Okay, thank you.

Any other questions? Seeing none. Thank you for being here. Okay, we will move on to our next Measure, which is HB2168HD1 relating to education of students experiencing homelessness. First up, we have the Department of Education in support. Are they here? They are not here. The Attorney General on Zoom in person. Thank you so much for being here.

You guys always put zoom just in case exceed our expectations.

Good morning, Chair Martin, Vice Chair Olds, Members of the Committee, Randall Watt, Deputy Attorney General, on behalf of the Department, as further outlined in our written testimony, the Department has comments on this Bill.

Section 2 of the Bill adds a new Section 302 A, subsection E, which appears to conflict with HRS 302a 1154A requiring a child may attend school regardless of immunization records. The Department appreciates the revisions made in the House draft one.

But to further clarify this, the Department recommends that HRS section 302A 1155 or other sections be amended to align with the intent of this Bill. Thank you. And.

And you had mentioned in your testimony that you would be able to provide language. Yes, for that. How quickly can you do that?

Very quickly.

Okay. Because. Yeah, I'd like to have it for the. To be able to amend this before it goes to the next Committee. So maybe by tomorrow. Okay, great. Thank you very much. Next up, we have Judith Clark on Zoom in support.

Aloha, Chair. Members of the Committee, I am Judith Clark. I am testifying as a community advocate, a homeless youth Service provider for 25 years, and a person with lived experience of youth homelessness. I strongly support this Bill.

Homeless students face incredible challenges in trying to attend school and the supports and services they have received through the federal McKinney Vento act really make the difference between in their ability to attend school and take advantage of educational opportunities. These. The McKinney Vento act is under serious threat by changes in federal policy.

This Bill will ensure that these critically needed services will continue even if federal mandates and Funding ends. The Bill provides essential safety net for our most vulnerable children and youth. Thank you for this opportunity to testify.

Thank you very much. We also had written testimony and support from Opportunity for Youth Action Hawaii and three individuals Is there anyone else wishing to testify on this measure? Seeing none Members, are there any questions for our testifiers?

Is the DO in here?

They are not. I know. Okay, next up, we have—the HB 2427, HD 1, relating to unaccompanied homeless youth and this includes runaway youth. And first up, we have the Attorney General with comments in person. Thank you.

Chair, Vice Chair, hello again. Randall Watt, Department, and we have comments on this Bill, addition to the same issue with HB 2168 regarding clarification regarding the provisional enrollment.

Perhaps in addition, the definition of unaccompanied homeless youth in this Bill makes reference to the McKinney Vento Act but isn't express and recommends that definition be added to that, reflecting that in the McKinney Vento Act. And again, similar to HB 2168, to address a potential conflict with HRS 302A -155A, we recommend amendments and improvise them very quickly.

And to clarify, obviously the language provided for the previous bill, we can use the same language for this so that they will not conflict.

Yes.

And then, you're also able to provide language that puts some of the elements that define—that are used to define homeless youth in the McKinney Vento Act so that we can just put it into our statute. Is that the suggestion?

We can assist with the definition of.

Yeah. So, again, that's something that we would want to have right away to our draft.

Thank you very much. Appreciate it. We also have—that was a question.

Okay.

Do we have the Department of Human Services to comment on this one?

Wait, I'm on the wrong page. Give me a minute.

Okay, so Department of Human Services. Some parts of it are here, but maybe not the right part. Are they on zoom? No, just not here, but in support. And then Department of Education with comments. We received a written testimony, but not here. Office of Youth Services.

Good morning. The Office of Youth Services stands on our written testimony supporting the intent and offering comments.

Thank you very much. And then we spoke to the General and Judith Clark on Zoom in support.

Aloha Chair, Vice chair, Members of the Committee. I'm Judith Clark, a community advocate, a homeless youth service provider for 25 years and a person with lived experience of homelessness. Unaccompanied youth are the most vulnerable and least recognized segment of Hawaii's homeless community.

They are children who most often have been forced to leave home due to parental, physical, emotional or sexual abuse or other unsafe conditions in the home that have made the streets literally safer for them than home. They need to be able to attend school. It's critically important if they are ever to make successful transitions to adulthood.

And so this bill will ensure that unaccompanied youth who cannot obtain parental consent and are not getting parental guidance can still enroll in school, participate in activities and obtain the needed transportation, meals and supplies that they need to participate. Thank you for this opportunity to testify.

Thank you very much. We also had written testimony, all in support from Hawaii General Strike and a handful of individuals. Is there anyone else wishing to testify on this measure? Seeing none. Members, are there any questions for our testifiers?

Seeing none, we will move on to our next Measure which is HB2560HD1, which establishes a two year pilot program within the Department of Human Services to provide temporary financial stabilization assistance to families with students identified as experiencing homelessness. And first up, we have the Department of Human Services Department stands on its written comments.

And we also have the Hawaii State Youth Commission on Zoom.

Aloha, Members of the Committee. My name is Mele Kānealiʻi and I'm speaking on behalf of the Hawaii State Youth Commission. And strong support. We stand on our written testimony, but would like to highlight two things.

Hawaii continues to face the third highest rates of youth homelessness in the nation and most readily available figures reflect only the youth who are visible and able to access support, leaving many others uncounted.

And on that point, as a graduate of Molokai High School, where many youth are hidden, homeless, and 10% of Molokai High School students rely on McKinney Vento protections. This instability disrupts education and increases risks of depression and substance abuse. We understand this measure is not a long term solution, but it provides immediate practical relief. Mahalo for the opportunity to testify.

Thank you very much. We also have one individual in support, Judith Clark on zoom.

Aloha Chair and Members of the Committee. Again, I'm Judith Clark, a community advocate with many years of experience in working on youth homelessness. I'm in strong support of this Bill, but I would like to point out that the Bill does not address the needs of unaccompanied youth who have an equal need for this kind of assistance.

And I am hoping that this Bill may be amended to ensure that these services would be available to unaccompanied youth as well as families with children. Thank you for this opportunity to testify.

Thank you. We also had one written testimony and support from the Opportunity for Youth Action Hawaii. Is there anyone else wishing to testify on this measure? Seeing none. Members, are there any questions? I have a question for the Department. Thank you so much for being here.

So I noted the intent of this Bill, which I think is very creative, is to use some of our TANF reserve funds for this purpose, which is why it's restricted to families with children. And I noted that you had some concerns that the language might not recognize the federal restrictions on that funding source.

I'm going to attempt to address those concerns. Can I send you my language as well for comments today so that we can make sure that what goes into the draft is something that meets your inserts? Okay, thank you very much. No other questions.

We'll move on to our next Bill, HB 1596, HD 1, relating to student basic needs support at the University of Hawaii. This is for a pilot program at a single campus. So, first up, we have Aloha United Way, in person. Thank you very much. We have the University of Hawaii in support on zoom. Please go ahead.

Aloha, Chair, Vice Chair, and Members of the Committee. I'm Farah Marie Gomes, Associate Vice President for Student Affairs with University of Hawaii System. We have provided written testimony in support of HB 1596, HD 1, that was submitted on behalf of our Vice President, Debbie Halbert.

We stand in strong support of this Bill and are here to answer any questions a Committee might have. Mahalo for this opportunity to testify.

Thank you very much. Hold on, I will have a question for you. And then, we had written testimony and support from Purple Maya Foundation. Is there anyone else wishing to testify on this measure? Seeing none. While you're still on the screen, Ms. Gomes, can I get some budget information from you to include in our Committee report for finance? What would the cost be of this program?

So, I think that might be part of the reason why we supported the amendment to remove from the first one which was a 1.0 FTE. It really does depend on the size of the campus. But I can get you some—I can get you some budget information.

Based on the average, I could take one of our middle size campuses and give you some information.

And if the Committee wanted to go with the largest campus or with the smaller campus to start with, that would obviously adjust some of the numbers because we are looking at some operational funds in there to support those services as well.

If you could give me something to share with the next committee, where they have less time to ask you, that would be very helpful and make this Bill more likely to pass.

Absolutely. We can get that.

Okay, thank you very much. Any other questions, Members? Seeing none. We'll move on to our next question—measure—which is HB 2197, relating to property. It is a way for law enforcement to remove unauthorized bars. And first up, we have, in support, The Hawaii Realtors, in person. Not present.

We had written support from the Collection Law Section of the Hawaii State Bar Association, from the Grassroots Institute of Hawaii, from the Waikiki Neighborhood Board, and from one individual in opposition. Is there anyone else wishing to testify on this measure? Members, there is nobody to ask questions to so we will move on to our next measure, HB 2498, HD 1.

This is—requires and appropriates funds for the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency to establish a central Oahu care home community resilience credit program. And first up in person, we have the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, in support.

We stand on our written testimony in strong support of this Bill. We also support DoH's proposed amendment to be removed as there's a conflict—is there a regulatory and licensing that agency. I'll be standing by for any questions.

Thank you very much. We have Navia and Hawaii, in support, in person. Not present. We have the Department of Health, with comments on zoom.

There we go. Good morning, Chair, Vice Chair, Members of the Committee. Paula Cerio, the Chief for the Office of Healthcare Assurance, Department of Health. Department stands on its testimony offering comments and proposed amendments. We have concerns regarding the appearance of conflict of interest if the Department is directly involved in administering this measure.

We also would not want to adversely affect participation from care home operators by having the regulator directly involved in that way. But we do support the measure and we would certainly support HYEMA in providing technical assistance to this, should it pass. Thank you for the opportunity to testify.

Thank you very much. And we also had written testimony in support from the Hawaii Insurers Council. Members, are there any—sorry, is there anyone else wishing to testify on this measure? Seeing none. Members, are there any questions for our testifiers? Question for HYEMA. Thank you for being here.

Can you just tell the Committee a little bit about why this is needed and why it is you folks would do?

With the current landscape, the weather, with the uncertainty in the future. This is a pilot program that we're looking to roll out to specifically address care homes, puna and vulnerable populations, in the event that a potential strong hurricane in the future comes.

And we're looking to just get a lot of success with this and hopefully strengthen our infrastructure with these particular facilities.

So, it's, so, strengthen your infrastructure. I understand the title of the Bill, but I don't know what you're like, are, is it—are the buildings not strong enough to withstand a hurricane or what is the problem?

Yeah, there's a lot of things that we're trying to do for as far as flooding, clips for hurricanes, the windows—just reinforce them, make them almost shelter-like so that we can have places to go in the event.

Okay, thank you for that clarification. Members, are there any other questions? Seeing none, we will move right into decision making. All right, so first up, we have HB 2116, HD 1. For this one, I would recommend passing it but removing all the monetary amounts.

The 3 million in grants, 60,000 for OCS, and 10,000 for the AG and instead put those amounts in the Committee Report for future reference. Members, are there any questions? Seeing none. Vice Chair for the vote please.

[Roll Call]

Thank you very much. Next up we have HB 1879 HD1, relating to the Youth Ride Free Program. Bear with me here. So per DOTAX's request, we want to amend the effective date for Section three of the bill regarding the new fund and allocations to July 1, 2026. So they have time to make the necessary changes.

We want to clarify in all appropriation sections of the bill, including definitions that the free ride is for resident youth, not youth visiting Hawaii. We want to establish that the program is for all resident youth regardless of income and their qualified guardians or aides.

However, if there should be funding shortages and the program must be restricted, then the priority beneficiaries will be directed to youth with the qualifications listed in the HD1, plus disabled youth. And then as funds allow to all youth and then as further funding allows to guardians of youth 6th grade or younger and accompanying aids for disabled youth.

We want to add to the list of priority youth with financial need or social need youth with disabilities as defined in statute and I will look for the rate statute to include in the draft.

And for youth accompanying aids, accompanying a youth with disabilities we want to put in there, provided that no more than one youth accompanied may receive a free fare for each youth with disabilities for any ride. And per the testimony of the Hawaii Youth Transportation Council, we'll add, we'll add the youth with disabilities and we'll replace or adopt the following definitions.

A youth accompanying aide means a person assisting disabled youth. Guardian means a parent, legal guardian or other adult responsible for accompanying a sixth grade or younger child. And youth means an individual from birth to senior year in high school and may include individuals 18 years or older. Members Are there any questions or comments?

Seeing none. Vice Chair for the votes.

Voting on HB 1879 HD1, our Chair's recommendation is to pass with amendments. Noting the excused absence of Representative Amato and Hartsfield. Any Members voting? No. Any with reservations?

Reservations.

Chair, your recommendation is adopted.

Thank you very much. Next up we have HB2214 which is the tax credit, $50 tax refundable tax credit for diapers. And I recommend moving this along but delete the phrase necessary diapering supplies. I think we will spend enough with the listed diaper items to not need that.

And also note in the Committee report that the Committee appreciates the benefit of keeping the tax refundable as those that most need this help do not pay taxes and there are restrictions on both income and age of children to keep the group restricted to those who are very likely to be buying diapers. And with that.

Members, are there any questions or comments? Seeing none. Vice Chair for the vote please.

Voting on HB2214 Chair's recommendation is to pass with amendments noting the excused absence of Representative Amato and Hartsfield. Are there any Members voting?

You can just note their excuse for the rest of the session unless you say otherwise.

Okay. Are there any Members voting no? With reservations? Chair, your recommendation is adopted.

Thank you very much. Next up we have HB2310, which is an emergency appropriation to make the Department of Human Services hold after they talked up SNAP cards with the federal shutdown.

And for this one I recommend passing this but defecting the date and putting in the community- Committee report the recommendation to take effect upon approval and remove the appropriation amount but put 14,248,126 in the Committee report. Members are there any comments or questions? Seeing none, Vice Chair for the vote.

Voting on HB2310 Chair's recommendation is to pass with amendments noting the excuse absence of Representative Amato and Hartsfield for remainder of decision making. Are there any Members voting no? With reservations? Chair your recommendation is adopted.

Thank you very much. Next up we have HB2168 HD1 which I'd recommend passing. But just clarify, that the students experiencing homelessness or unaccompanied use should shall be immediately enrolled even if immunization documentation is not available provided that compliance with section 302a-1154 occurs within a reasonable period consistent with existing provisional attendance requirements.

Then also get language from the AG's office to amend Section 302a-115 to expressly apply to students experiencing homelessness or unaccompanied youth. This is a section where people can be exempted from immunization documentation. Other students all students are able to do that at the request of their parents. Members any questions or comments?

Comment Chair Go ahead. I'm in support of the Bill but I just wanted to note that it's unfortunate that the Department of Education wasn't here for this Bill and a couple other bills that directly affect their Department. Just wanted to put that on the record. Thank you.

Thank you very much for that. Any other comments or questions? Seeing none, Vice Chair for the vote.

Voting on HB2168 HD1 Chair's recommendation is to pass with amendments. Any Members voting no or with reservations? Chair your recommendation is adopted.

Next up we have HB2427 HD1. This is for unaccompanied homeless youth to be able to register in school without the documentation that's otherwise required.

And for this one I recommend amending the exact same language on 302a-115 so that there's no conflicts should both be both bills become law and to include proposed definition that would incorporate the federal language in the McKinney Bento act as will be provided by the AG's office and then per DOE they wanted to be notified immediately and first.

So we will flip and have first the student assigned complex and area homeless liaison be notified and subsequently the Office of Youth Services. Members, are there any comments or questions? Seeing none, Vice Chair for the vote.

Members voting on HB2427 HD1. Chair's recommendation is to pass with amendments. Any Members voting no? With reservations? Chair, your recommendation is adopted.

Thank you very much. Next up we have HB1596 HD1 with the pilot program to using TANF reserve funds for basic needs for homeless youth that are part of a family.

Chair, are we on 1596? Or 2560?

Thank you very much for that. My description was accurate but my number was off. As Rep Garcia noted, we're talking about HB2560 HD1. I'm trying to get through faster than I can. And so I recommend passing. But-

But per DOE, amend Section 2, paragraph A, page 2, line 5 delete for equitable distribution, because it's unclear who would determine what is equitable. Then on page 3 line 10 clarify other short term necessities as determined by the Community Homeless Concerns Liaison.

Define short term necessities as being non recurrent and not extending beyond four months so that they can qualify for TANF funds.

And on page 3F note that the funds distributed under the pilot program shall be used in a flexible spending model which is this is the additional part approved by DHS and in line with requirements and provisions of two CFR part 200 uniform administrative requirements, Cost Principles and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, or better language that the DOE provides to me.

Then on page 48, add payments made on behalf of eligible families shall be made only to payees compliant with applicable federal, state and county laws that in any way affect the payee's ability to do business in the state including compliance with the rules or regulations of the State Department of Taxation and the U.S. internal Revenue Service.

Write that the DHS and DOE shall establish information sharing agreements in order to make sure there's no duplication of assistance that is already provided by DHS for the same items. Then technical amendments for clarity, consistency and style. And that is it and we are waiting.

We had discussed with the Office of Youth Services earlier about potential funding recommendation and based on that we will recommend $400,000 in our Committee report. Members, are there any comments or questions? Seeing none, Vice Chair for the vote.

Voting on HB2560 HD1. Chair's recommendation is to ask for the amendments. Noting the presence of Representative Amato. Any Members voting no? With reservations? Chair, your recommendation is adopted.

And now we are on to HB1596 HD1 for real. This is a pilot program at University of Hawaii for student basic needs support. And for this one I would recommend moving it forward and I will include if I receive it in a timely manner from uh. I will include a proposed budget in the Community report.

But the actual document I recommend passing out as is. Any comments or questions Members? Vice Chair for the vote.

Voting at HB1596 HD1. Chair's recommendation is to pass as is. Any Members voting no? With reservations?

Reservations.

Chair, your recommendation is adopted.

Thank you very much. Next up we have HB2197, which was about law enforcement measures to remove unauthorized individuals who are squatting in dwellings.

And for this one I recommend moving it forward with technical amendments for clarity, consistency and style defecting the date ,and noting in the Committee report that this Bill contains a blank damages amount for criminal property damage in the second degree. So that would need to be figured out in a subsequent Committee where people are here to testify.

Members, are there any comments or questions? Seeing none. Vice Chair for the vote.

Members voting HB2197, Chair's recommendations to pass with amendments. Any Members voting no? With reservations. Chair, your recommendation-

Can we note the presence of Representative Amato? Oh did you already. Okay, thank you.

Chair, your Recommendation is adopted.

Next up is HB2498 HD1, relating to care homes. This is for the pilot program to make them more resilient in the face of emergencies. And for this one I recommend adopting the testimony of the Department of Health to reduce conflict of interest as a regulator by taking them out of section 2A and section 2G.

And that is all. Any questions or comments? Seeing none. Vice Chair for the vote.

Members voting HB2498 HD1, Chair's recommendation is to pass with amendments. Any Members voting no? With reservations? Chair, your recommendation is adopted.

Thank you very much. Next up we have decision making only. We heard this previously. HB2167 is was the one to help stabilize youth, vulnerable youth so that they can remain independently in housing. I have a list of amendments.

So first of all I'd like to in Section 1 clarify eligibility is youth and young adults aged 19 to 24, and use that in all places where they talk about ages eligible. Make a correction to a data point on the number of unaccompanied youth. Make it 864 instead of 1,140, I think that was a false record.

Change to the duration of the project from two years to five years in all places referenced throughout the draft. In section 2B where it says Office of Youth Services shall enter into contracts pursuant to Chapter 103f, Hawaii Revised Statutes to Nonprofit Organizations or MOA's with Government Agencies deleting any reference to aborting funds.

Specify in Section 2e, which talks about the condition of payments, that it is limited to the amount of documented need and that the amount of funding shall be adjusted to avoid duplication with other assistance being provided for the same housing stabilization need and to ensure aggregate assistance does not exceed the participant's documented unmet need.

Note that funds go direct to the landlord, mortgagee or utility, including Internet provider or other vendor as determined by the administering agency. Specify that the housing conversation, planning and assessments will both be with a case manager or housing counselor.

Note that funds should not jeopardize eligibility for other public assistance benefits and also that a youth experiencing a housing crisis shall participate in ongoing counseling or case management services to address the reasons for the crisis.

If a case manager or housing counselor determines the incident was situational and not chronic, ongoing counseling or case management is not required. And that is it, Members are there any questions or comments? Seeing none, Vice Chair for the vote.

Members voting on HB 2167, Chair's recommendation is to pass amendments. Any Members voting no? With reservations?

Reservations.

Chair your recommendation is adopted.

I appreciate all of your patience with all the edits, but we want it to be good for the next Committee. Here a Chair SA.