Housing (Homelessness) in Hawaii

introduced · Hawaii · Senate Jul 14, 2026

GM 1352: Informing the Legislature that on July 14, 2026, the Governor signed the following bill into law: SB2866 SD1 HD1 CD1 (ACT 250).

This message from the Governor informs the Hawaii Legislature that he signed Act 250 into law on July 14, 2026. The bill makes permanent the state rent supplement program for elderly residents, known as kupuna, which provides monthly rental assistance to prevent eviction and homelessness. Previously set to expire in 2026, the program's sunset date was extended to 2028 before this legislation made the funding permanent. The act takes effect on July 1, 2026, ensuring continued support for approximately 300 at-risk elderly individuals who receive less than $500 per month in aid.

Topics ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Homelessness Renters Tenant Rights

in committee · Hawaii · House Dec 8, 2025

HB 80: RELATING TO HOMELESSNESS.

This bill addresses homelessness by establishing new procedures and support measures for individuals experiencing housing insecurity. It directly affects local governments, social service agencies, and homeless individuals by creating standardized protocols for outreach and assistance. The legislation outlines specific requirements for agencies to develop coordinated care plans and provides funding mechanisms for temporary housing solutions. The bill aims to improve how communities respond to homelessness through structured intervention strategies rather than changing existing laws.

Topics ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Homelessness

passed · Hawaii · House Apr 10, 2026

HCR 123: 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.

This bill requests the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands and the Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions to create a coordinated support system for Native Hawaiian beneficiaries who are homeless or have extremely low incomes. The resolution asks these agencies to assess how many people are affected, identify gaps in current housing assistance, and explore options like transitional housing models on trust lands. It also directs them to evaluate funding sources, partner with nonprofit organizations, and ensure all plans comply with the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act before submitting a report to the Legislature by the start of the 2027 session.

Topics ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Homelessness

passed · Hawaii · Senate May 12, 2026

SR 151: URGING THE HAWAII PUBLIC HOUSING AUTHORITY, DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES' HOMELESS PROGRAMS OFFICE, STATEWIDE OFFICE ON HOMELESSNESS AND HOUSING SOLUTIONS, AND HAWAII HOUSING FINANCE AND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION TO CREATE A HOUSING LADDER PROGRAM TO HELP INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES GRADUATE INTO UNSUBSIDIZED HOUSING.

This Senate Resolution urges four state housing agencies in Hawaii to develop a housing ladder program designed to help individuals and families move from subsidized housing into non-subsidized, market-rate housing. The proposed program would include services such as financial counseling, workforce training, transitional rental assistance, and partnerships with private housing providers to support upward mobility. As a Senate Resolution, this bill does not create new laws or funding but instead requests that the agencies collaborate to create a plan and report their findings and recommendations to the Legislature by early 2027.

Topics ✓ Housing ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Homelessness Housing Finance Workforce Development

in committee · Hawaii · House Mar 18, 2026

HR 157: REQUESTING THE ATTORNEY GENERAL AND THE STATE AUDITOR TO CONDUCT A COMPREHENSIVE FINANCIAL, PERFORMANCE, AND COMPLIANCE AUDIT OF NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS RECEIVING STATE FUNDS FOR HOMELESSNESS-RELATED SERVICES.

This bill requests the Attorney General and State Auditor in Hawaii to conduct a comprehensive audit of nonprofit organizations that receive state funding for homelessness-related services. The audit will examine financial records, performance outcomes, and compliance with state laws, focusing first on organizations in Honolulu before expanding statewide. Key areas of review include how public funds are spent, executive compensation relative to program costs, housing placement success rates, and the accuracy of reported service data. The resolution aims to ensure transparency and fiscal responsibility in the use of taxpayer money for homelessness assistance programs.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Audits & Accountability Homelessness

passed · Hawaii · House Apr 9, 2026

HR 108: REQUESTING THE CITY AND COUNTY OF HONOLULU AND STATEWIDE OFFICE ON HOMELESSNESS AND HOUSING SOLUTIONS TO DEVELOP A COORDINATED, PLACE-BASED STRATEGIC ACTION PLAN TO ADDRESS BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AND HOMELESSNESS RESPONSE NEEDS ON THE WAIANAE COAST.

This bill asks the City and County of Honolulu and the Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions to create a strategic plan for addressing homelessness and behavioral health needs on the Waianae Coast. The plan must include an analysis of emergency response times, hospital usage for psychiatric crises, available crisis beds, service gaps, and coordination between outreach teams and first responders. It also requires evaluating the feasibility of a regional crisis stabilization center and identifying any legal or budget changes needed to improve outcomes. Community-based service providers must be involved in developing the plan, which will be reported to the Legislature by March 2027.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Hospitals Mental Health Homelessness

in committee · Hawaii · House Mar 18, 2026

HCR 167: REQUESTING THE ATTORNEY GENERAL AND THE STATE AUDITOR TO CONDUCT A COMPREHENSIVE FINANCIAL, PERFORMANCE, AND COMPLIANCE AUDIT OF NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS RECEIVING STATE FUNDS FOR HOMELESSNESS-RELATED SERVICES.

This bill requests the Hawaii Attorney General and State Auditor to conduct a comprehensive audit of nonprofit organizations that receive state funding for homelessness-related services. The audit will examine financial records, performance outcomes, and compliance with state laws, focusing initially on organizations in Honolulu before expanding statewide. Key areas of review include how funds are spent, executive compensation levels, service effectiveness, and the accuracy of reported client data. The resolution aims to ensure transparency and fiscal responsibility in the use of public funds dedicated to addressing homelessness.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Audits & Accountability Homelessness

in committee · Hawaii · House Mar 18, 2026

HR 159: URGING THE STATE AND CITY AND COUNTY OF HONOLULU TO RECOGNIZE AND ADDRESS THE INEQUITABLE LOCATION OF MENTAL HEALTH FACILITIES, CLEAN AND SOBER HOMES, HOMELESS SHELTERS, AND OTHER SUPPORTIVE LIVING HOMES ACROSS THE ISLAND OF OAHU.

This bill is a non-binding resolution that asks state and local leaders to acknowledge and fix the uneven distribution of mental health facilities, sober homes, homeless shelters, and supportive living homes across Oahu. It specifically highlights the concentration of these services along the Waianae coast and urges officials to consider factors like proximity to schools, transparency, insurance, and community input when planning future placements. The resolution directs government agencies and community partners to consult on these issues but does not mandate any specific policy changes or funding.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Mental Health Homelessness

passed both · Hawaii · Senate May 12, 2026

SCR 160: URGING THE HAWAII PUBLIC HOUSING AUTHORITY, DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES' HOMELESS PROGRAMS OFFICE, STATEWIDE OFFICE ON HOMELESSNESS AND HOUSING SOLUTIONS, AND HAWAII HOUSING FINANCE AND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION TO CREATE A HOUSING LADDER PROGRAM TO HELP INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES GRADUATE INTO UNSUBSIDIZED HOUSING.

This Senate Concurrent Resolution urges four Hawaii state housing agencies to develop a "housing ladder" program designed to help individuals and families move from subsidized housing into non-subsidized, market-rate housing. The proposed program would include support services such as financial counseling, workforce training, transitional rental assistance, and partnerships with private housing providers to facilitate upward mobility. The bill does not create new funding or mandate specific actions but instead requests the agencies to collaborate on creating this program and report their findings to the Legislature by early 2027. This measure aims to address housing shortages by freeing up subsidized housing units for those still waiting while helping current participants achieve greater financial stability.

Topics ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Homelessness Housing Finance

passed · Hawaii · House Apr 10, 2026

HCR 116: REQUESTING THE CITY AND COUNTY OF HONOLULU AND STATEWIDE OFFICE ON HOMELESSNESS AND HOUSING SOLUTIONS TO DEVELOP A COORDINATED, PLACE-BASED STRATEGIC ACTION PLAN TO ADDRESS BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AND HOMELESSNESS RESPONSE NEEDS ON THE WAIANAE COAST.

This bill requests the City and County of Honolulu and the Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions to create a coordinated strategic action plan for addressing behavioral health and homelessness on the Waianae Coast. The plan would analyze emergency response times, hospital utilization, and current shelter capacity to identify service gaps and high-need areas in the region. It also requires the agencies to evaluate how well outreach teams, behavioral health providers, and first responders work together and to explore options for establishing a regional crisis stabilization center. The agencies must include community-based service providers in the planning process and submit their findings and recommendations to the Legislature by the start of the 2027 session.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Hospitals Mental Health Homelessness

All housing bills