Including $34.7 million for ‘Ohana Zones, medical services, and a
coordinated
statewide initiative
Honolulu, Hawaiʻi – Taking the lead on solving Hawai‘i's
homeless crisis, the conference committee on Housing today passed SB 2401 SD2 HD1 CD1 and SB 2027 SD2 HD1 CD1 totaling $34.7 million to fund ‘Ohana Zones
and support long overdue medical services for homeless populations statewide.
The conference
committee passed:
·
$30
million for ‘Ohana Zones on three Oahu sites, and one each on Kaua‘i, Maui and
Hawai‘i Island. Public lands will be selected by the Governor for the zones.
·
$1
million for an Emergency Department Assessment pilot program.
·
$1
million for a medical respite pilot program.
·
$800,000
for a new family assessment center.
·
$400,000
for two new Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) programs on Maui and
Hawai‘i Island.
·
1.5
million for a Coordinated Statewide Homeless Initiative.
Rep. Della Au Belatti (Makiki, Tantalus, Papakōlea,
McCully, Pāwa‘a, Mānoa) said lawmakers this session decided to take the lead on
finding homeless solutions and ‘Ohana Zones are an important part of that
concept.
"The $30 million for ‘Ohana Zones is a lump sum
that we hope to partner with the private sector using Kahauiki Village as a model," said House
Majority Leader Belatti. "This amount is our estimate of what the
infrastructure and support services will cost in multiple sites across the
state. The idea here is to be very flexible. What might work on O‘ahu might not be the best
plan for one of the neighbor islands."
"Ten
years ago we started looking into safe zones for our homeless population,"
said Brower, Chair of the House Housing Committee. "Many were reluctant to
go into shelters or even permanent housing. This will provide a better option
for many homeless people."
“The measures we
passed appropriate millions of dollars to help eliminate the homeless problem
and build affordable rentals," said Senator Will Espero (‘Ewa Beach, Ocean
Pointe, ‘Ewa by Gentry, Iroquois Point, portion of ‘Ewa Villages), Chair of the
Senate Committee on Housing. "The Governor now has all the resources and
tools necessary to provide housing and to assist the many homeless advocates
and organizations with their programs and services that will help families and
individuals rebuild their lives. This year’s funding is just the beginning of
the Legislature’s commitment to end homeless,”
Representative John M. Mizuno (Kalihi Valley,
Kamehameha Heights, Lower Kalihi) said he is proud of the work lawmakers have
done this session to support homeless initiatives.
"This has been the most comprehensive year ever
in funding homeless initiatives," said Mizuno, Chair Health & Human
Services Committee. "We are focused on addressing our homeless crisis
rather than funding more homeless sweeps. We have focused our policies to
provide our people in need with stability, a place to heal, and the ability to
become self-sufficient."
“Thousands
of homeless who are struggling on our streets will see their lives change
greatly for the better through this bill. The public will also see a
difference when they have their parks back, their sidewalks clear, and see much
less suffering throughout our communities,” said Senator Josh Green (Kona,
Ka‘u), Chair of the Senate Committee on Human Services.
Lawmakers last week
provided $15 million to fund existing homeless service programs, $3 million
more than requested by the Governor. The funds are in a lump sum rather than
restricted to a specific program to allow the State Homeless Coordinator to
have the ability take decisive action and use the funds where they are most
needed.
They also
appropriated $1 million for matching funds to the Hawaii Tourism Authority for
homeless related projects. The nonprofit Hawaii Lodging and Tourism Association
will distribute the money for programs in resort areas.
The bills now move to a final vote in both
Houses.
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