[§371K-1]  Findings and purpose.  The
State of Hawaii has long been a leader among the states in the development of
progressive and innovative undertakings in behalf of its needy people. 
Securing the well-being of all of the State's needy citizens continues to be a
policy concern deserving of the highest priority.



Yet, even as we commit a growing share of the
State's resources to programs and services to assist the poor, the
disadvantaged, refugees, immigrants, and other people in need, we must also
ensure that government resources are used prudently, that tax dollars are not
being expended in a wasteful or extravagant manner, and that the State
recognizes changes in societal attitudes, values, and emphasis which have
produced new issues requiring new approaches for their resolution.



The purpose of this chapter is to establish a
new office, the office of community services, within the department of labor
and industrial relations for administrative purposes, to replace the office of
the progressive neighborhoods program, the Hawaii office of economic
opportunity, the refugee resettlement program, and the state immigrant services
center.  The primary purposes of the new office are to facilitate and enhance
the development, delivery, and coordination of effective programs for those in
need and to provide advice and assistance to the agencies of the executive
branch, other private agencies in the human services field, and the
legislature.  The establishment of the office of community services would:



(1)  Comply with requirements of the Hawaii State
Constitution;



(2)  Improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the
operations of the executive branch;



(3)  Improve the delivery of services to disadvantaged
persons, refugees, and immigrants;



(4)  Fix responsibility and accountability for
successfully carrying out programs, policies, and priorities of the office; and



(5)  Improve responsiveness to the needs of the people
of Hawaii. [L 1985, c 305, pt of §1]