THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	144
THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2023
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to compacts of free association.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. (a) There is established a compacts of free association census task force within the department of human services for administrative purposes. The task force shall enact a census-taking project to determine the number of compacts of free association residents in the State.

(b) The task force shall consist of the following members, or their designees:

(1) The director of human services who shall serve as chair;

(2) The president of the University of Hawaii;

(3) The superintendent of education;

(4) The director of health;

(5) The executive director of the Hawaii public housing authority;

(6) The consul general of the Federated States of Micronesia;

(7) The consul general of the Republic of the Marshall Islands; and

(8) The consul general of the Republic of Palau.

The chairperson may invite other parties to participate on the task force as necessary. Additional members may include stakeholders from voluntary private social services providers, community groups, and other appropriate organizations.

(c) The department of human services shall provide administrative and clerical support as required by the task force.

(d) The task force shall:

(1) Submit an interim report on its status and progress to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2024; provided that the interim report shall contain a timeline for the implementation of the census-taking, including the projected completion date; and

(2) Submit a final report of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2025.

(e) The task force shall be dissolved upon the adjournment of the 2025 regular session of the legislature.

SECTION 2. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

Compacts of Free Association; Task Force; Census; Department of Human Services

Description:

Establishes the compacts of Free Association Census Task Force within the Department of Human Services to conduct a census of COFA residents in Hawaii.

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