STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3160

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 2344

S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirtieth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2020

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Judiciary, to which was referred S.B. No. 2344, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO MINORS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to expand conditions for a minor to consent to no-cost emergency shelter and related services by:

(1) Requiring that a provider supplying shelter is licensed to do so for minors or adults and is in compliance with zoning and safety regulations; and

(2) Requiring the Department of Human Services to make every effort to ensure that every island has a shelter for unaccompanied minors.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Hawai‘i State Commission on the Status of Women, Hawaii Youth Services Network, Hawai‘i Children's Action Network Speaks!, Residential Youth Services & Empowerment, IMUAlliance, Hawaii Kai Homeless Task Force, and six individuals. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Human Services and Governor's Coordinator on Homelessness.

Your Committee finds that addressing the needs of unaccompanied homeless minors is a multi-faceted, statewide challenge. Unaccompanied minors may find themselves homeless for a variety reasons, including experiencing financial hardship; being kicked out of their homes because of their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or pregnancy; running away from sexual, mental, or physical abuse; aging out of foster care; substance abuse; or experiencing the death of a guardian. Few resources are currently offered to unaccompanied homeless minors in the State, and little data has been collected on them. Your Committee finds that the State must take action to better provide services for homeless unaccompanied minors throughout the islands.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Judiciary that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2344, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Judiciary,

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KARL RHOADS, Chair