B.  HaleKokua Program

 

[§356D-141]  Findings and purpose.  Thelegislature finds that the issue of homelessness should be regarded as one ofthe State's most significant social problems.  The severity of the problem isvisible in every area of the State, and evidence that the problem is escalatingis becoming more and more apparent.  The problem of homelessness impactseveryone, and the burden of rectifying this problem should be approachedcomprehensively and as a collective responsibility.

The purpose of this subpart is to establish ahomeless assistance program known as the Hale Kokua program that wouldauthorize the payment of a state grant and a monthly rent supplement to aninterested property owner who sets aside any existing rental space or undertakesthe improvement or construction of an adjoining or separate dwelling unit, forthe purpose of renting the unit to any family or individual classified asemployed but homeless under the program, for a period of five years.

The program will place a priority on assistinghomeless families in the greatest need.  To ensure that no particular districtor community of the State is unduly burdened by the sudden influx of homelessfamilies holding rental contracts with qualified homeowners under the program,the number of homeowners authorized to take part in the Hale Kokua program willbe limited to ten per census tract.

The Hale Kokua program shall assist homelessfamilies and individuals who are willing to engage in self-improvement programsand regular employment by providing an alternative to living in homelessshelters where homeless families as well as the special needs homeless areindiscriminately grouped together.  Developing the employment skills ofparticipating tenants is an integral component of the program.

The program will also allow other availableprograms to focus more intently on the special needs of the homeless.  The HaleKokua program calls for a cooperative effort between the State, the counties,and the federal government to provide the community and the Hale Kokua programwith the resources and the incentives needed to eliminate the condition ofhomelessness.  Since the Hale Kokua program involves the public and privatesectors, the cost of implementing this program should be far less than the costof building new homeless shelter facilities.

The program has the potential to drasticallyreduce the number of homeless families and individuals living in public areas,and to ultimately provide full and free access to Hawaii's malls, streets,parks, and campgrounds.  As a result, Hawaii's overall quality of life will beenriched and Hawaii's reputation as one of the most beautiful visitordestinations will be enhanced. [L 2006, c 180, pt of §2]