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HB2481
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
H.B. NO.
2481
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026
STATE OF HAWAII
A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING
TO HOMELESSNESS
.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
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SECTION
1.
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Chapter 346, Part XVIII, Hawaii
Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately
designated and to read as follows:
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"
�346-
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Return-to-Home Program.
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(a)
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The statewide office on homelessness and housing solutions shall
coordinate a voluntary homeless assistance program, to be known as the
return-to-home program, to provide eligible homeless individuals
with assistance in being reunited with family and
relatives in the individual's home state
.
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The office shall establish a public-private partnership by contracting
with eligible nonprofit organizations, for-profit organizations, or foundations
to administer the program without regard to chapters 103D and 103F.
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The governor's coordinator on homelessness
may assist with the implementation of this program.
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(b)
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An individual who is homeless shall be
eligible to participate in the return-to-home program if:
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(1)
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The
individual's participation is completely voluntary;
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(2)
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The individual,
if on parole, probation, or awaiting a court hearing or sentencing, has proper
clearance from the court to participate in the program; and
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(3)
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The individual is indigent and lacks the financial
resources necessary to secure transportation to return to the individual's home
state
.
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(c)
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An individual shall participate in the
return-to-home program only once and shall sign an agreement to this effect
before participating in the program.
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The
agreement shall be kept on file with the statewide office on homelessness and
housing solutions.
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(d)
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The return-to-home program shall actively
seek the participation of local airlines, cruise lines, charter companies,
homeless programs, travel agencies, and the visitor industry to coordinate and
implement the program.
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(e)
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The return-to-home program shall assist
program participants with necessary and proper preparations for travel,
including obtaining proper identification, accessing public transportation to
the airport, providing orientation relating to airport security, and ensuring
sufficient personal hygiene.
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(
f
)
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The statewide office on
homelessness and housing solutions shall submit a report of its findings and
recommendations
relating to the
return-to-home
program, including any proposed legislation, to the legislature no later than
twenty days prior to the convening of
each
regular session
.
"
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SECTION
2.
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There is appropriated out of the
general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $
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or so much thereof as may be
necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the return-to-home program.
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The sum
appropriated shall be expended by the statewide office on homelessness and
housing solutions for the purposes of this Act.
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SECTION
3.
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New statutory material is
underscored.
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SECTION 4.
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This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2026.
INTRODUCED BY:
_____________________________
Report Title:
OHHS; Homelessness; Return-to-Home Program; Report;
Appropriation
Description:
Requires
the Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions to establish a
permanent Return-to-Home Program to return homeless individuals in the State to
families and relatives in their home states.
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Requires the Office to report to the Legislature.
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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.