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HB2013
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
H.B. NO.
2013
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026
STATE OF HAWAII
A BILL FOR AN ACT
relating
to public housing
.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
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SECTION
1.
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The legislature finds that public
housing residents deserve to live in environments that are safe, secure, and
supportive of family stability, health, and well-being.
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Many public housing projects experience
disproportionate impacts from violent crime, illegal firearms, reckless
driving, and unauthorized access, which undermine resident safety and quality
of life.
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Modern safety technologies such
as acoustic gunshot detection systems and automated license plate recognition
cameras have been used by jurisdictions nationwide to improve emergency
response times, deter criminal activity, and support law enforcement
investigations when appropriately regulated.
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However, the implementation of safety
technologies must be balanced with strong safeguards to protect civil
liberties, privacy, and prevent misuse or discriminatory surveillance.
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The legislature further finds that coordinated
deployment of safety measures in partnership with public housing residents and
law enforcement can improve trust, accountability, and outcomes.
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The
purpose of this Act is to enhance safety in public housing statewide by
requiring the Hawaii public housing authority to implement targeted safety and
security measures, with appropriate oversight and privacy protections.
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SECTION
2.
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Chapter 356D, Hawaii Revised
Statutes, is amended by adding a new part to be appropriately designated and to
read as follows:
"
Part .
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public housing; SAFETY technologies
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356D-
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Definitions.
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For the purposes of this part:
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"Acoustic
gunshot detection systems" means any technology designed to detect,
locate, and report the sound of suspected firearm discharges.
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"Housing
project" means a public housing project, elder or elderly housing, or
state low-income housing project as defined in section 356D-51.
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"License
plate recognition system" means any camera-based system capable of
capturing images of motor vehicle license plates and related metadata for
identification and safety purposes.
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"Safety
technologies" means acoustic gunshot detection systems, license plate
recognition systems, fixed or mobile security cameras, lighting improvements,
access-control systems, or any other tool or technology adopted by the
authority to improve safety at a housing project.
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356D-
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Mandatory comprehensive safety plan.
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(a)
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The authority shall develop and implement a comprehensive safety plan
for all housing projects in the State.
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(b)
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The plan shall include at a minimum the
installation and use of:
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(1)
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Acoustic gunshot detection systems in housing
projects with documented incidents of gun-related violence;
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(2)
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License plate recognition system cameras at
vehicular entry and exit points at housing projects, where feasible; and
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(3)
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Any other appropriate safety measures,
including but not limited to fixed or mobile surveillance cameras at building
entrances and common areas, improved exterior lighting, controlled access
systems, and emergency call or alert systems.
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�356D-
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Privacy, civil liberty, and data
safeguards.
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The authority shall adopt a written
policy governing the use, storage, sharing, and retention of data collected
through safety technologies.
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The policy
shall include but not be limited to:
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(1)
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Prohibiting the use of safety technologies for
generalized surveillance unrelated to public safety;
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(2)
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Limiting the retention of data acquired
through the use of safety technologies to days, except
where required for an active investigation or court order;
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(3)
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Restricting access to data acquired through
the use of safety technologies to authorized personnel only;
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(4)
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Prohibiting the use of data for immigration
enforcement or civil or non-criminal purposes; and
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(5)
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Procedures to prevent discriminatory or
selective enforcement.
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356D-
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Residents; notice; coordination.
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(a)
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The authority shall notify residents of the presence and purpose of
safety technologies implemented at the housing project by posting clear signage
throughout the housing project and engaging in community outreach.
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(b)
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The authority shall engage with resident
councils, resident advisory boards, or tenant associations prior to the
implementation of any safety technologies and shall periodically meet with resident
councils, resident advisory boards, or tenant associations after the
implementation of any safety technologies to gather feedback and address
concerns.
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356D-
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Coordination with law enforcement.
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The authority may coordinate with the
appropriate county police departments for the limited purpose of emergency
response and criminal investigations consistent with the purposes of this part.
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356D-
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Safety technologies, implementation;
prioritization.
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The authority shall identify
and prioritize the implementation of safety technologies in housing projects
based on:
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(1)
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Crime data and calls for service;
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(2)
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Resident safety concerns and complaints;
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(3)
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History of gun related incidents or other
violent incidents;
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(4)
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Traffic safety issues, including reckless
driving or unauthorized vehicle access; and
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(5)
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Availability of infrastructure to support
safety technologies.
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�356D-
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Funding.
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In addition
to any funds appropriated for the purposes of this part, the authority may seek
federal grants, accept gifts or private funding, or enter into a public-private
partnership consistent with state law.
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356D-
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Annual reports.
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The authority shall submit an annual
report to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of each
regular session that includes:
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(1)
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Locations where safety technologies have been
deployed;
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(2)
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Types of safety technologies used;
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(3)
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Reported safety outcomes and response times;
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(4)
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Resident feedback and concerns;
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(5)
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Privacy compliance measures;
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(6)
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Recommendations for expansion, modification,
or improvement of safety technologies; and
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(7)
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If the authority obtained any federal grants,
received any gifts or private funds, or entered into a public-private
partnership to carry out the purposes of this part."
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SECTION
3.
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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 2026-2027 for:
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(1)
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The purchase, installation, and maintenance of
safety technologies at housing projects statewide;
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(2)
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Training for employees of the Hawaii public
housing authority;
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(3)
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Data security and privacy compliance;
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(4)
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Community outreach and education; and
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(5)
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Program evaluation.
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The sum
appropriated shall be expended by the Hawaii public housing authority for the
purposes of this Act.
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SECTION 4.
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This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2026.
INTRODUCED BY:
_____________________________
Report Title:
Hawaii
Public Housing Authority; Public Housing; Safety Technologies; Comprehensive
Safety Plan; Privacy; Appropriation
Description:
Requires
the Hawaii Public Housing Authority to develop and implement a comprehensive
safety plan that includes the use of safety technologies for all public housing
statewide.
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Requires the Authority to
adopt policies that protect civil liberties and safeguard data and engage with
public housing residents regarding the use of safety technologies.
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Appropriates funds.
The summary description
of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is
not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.