THE SENATE	S.C.R. NO.	93
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026
STATE OF HAWAII

SENATE CONCURRENT

RESOLUTION

 

 

REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF HAWAIIAN HOME LANDS AND Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions TO DEVELOP A COORDINATED SUPPORT AND STABILIZATION PATHWAY FOR NATIVE HAWAIIAN BENEFICIARIES EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS OR EXTREMEly LOW INCOME.

 

 

 

     WHEREAS, the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands is constitutionally mandated to serve its native Hawaiian beneficiaries, and the Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions is responsible for addressing the crisis of homelessness across Hawaii; and

 

     WHEREAS, coordination and collaboration between the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands and Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions would allow for the pooling of expertise, funding, and other resources, thus reducing a duplication of effort; streamlining delivery of services; and ensuring that native Hawaiian beneficiaries receive more comprehensive support; and

 

     WHEREAS, homelessness and extremely low incomes are often cyclical without sustained intervention, and a coordinated pathway would provide native Hawaiian beneficiaries with ongoing support, follow-up, and access to stabilization services, thereby increasing the likelihood of lasting, positive outcomes and breaking the cycle of poverty; and

 

     WHEREAS, by developing a coordinated pathway, the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands and Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions could provide improved support and clearer guidance and ensure that native Hawaiian beneficiaries do not fall through the cracks; now, therefore,

 

     BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Thirty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2026, the House of Representatives concurring, that the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands and Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions are requested to develop a coordinated support and stabilization pathway for native Hawaiian beneficiaries experiencing homelessness or extremely low income; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands and Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions are requested to:

 

     (1)  Assess the number of native Hawaiian beneficiaries who are experiencing homelessness or whose incomes fall at or below thirty percent of Area Median Income;

 

     (2)  Identify gaps in housing stabilization, rental assistance, and supportive housing access;

 

     (3)  Evaluate the feasibility of establishing a coordinated indigent support pathway;

 

     (4)  Evaluate the feasibility of establishing transitional kauhale or tiny home village models on appropriate Department of Hawaiian Home Lands lands for beneficiary stabilization purposes;

 

     (5)  Identify appropriate land classifications and safeguards to ensure compliance with the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act of 1920, as amended, and trust obligations;

 

     (6)  Examine partnership opportunities with nonprofit providers for supportive services and case management;

 

     (7)  Identify funding sources, including federal housing, Medicaid, and state supportive housing funds;

 

     (8)  Recommend pilot program structures, eligibility criteria, and operational safeguards; and

 

     (9)  Ensure that any proposed pathway prioritizes eligible beneficiaries and maintains full compliance with the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act of 1920, as amended; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2027, the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands and Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions are requested to submit a report to the Legislature regarding their development of a coordinated support and stabilization pathway for native Hawaiian beneficiaries experiencing homelessness or extremely low income; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the Chairperson of the Hawaiian Homes Commission and Coordinator on Homelessness.

 

 

 

	OFFERED BY:	_____________________________

Report Title:

Department of Hawaiian Home Lands; Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions; Coordinated Support and Stabilization Pathway