THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	2791
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to human services.

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

SECTION 1. (a) The department of human services shall convene a working group to research and develop a statewide Kamaʻaina credit program, based on the county of Maui's Kamaʻaina credit program, to assist asset limited, income constrained, employed (ALICE) households that earn too much income to qualify for traditional government assistance programs, but still struggle to pay for housing, utilities, health care, groceries, and other essentials in Hawaii.

(b) The director of human services or the director's designee shall serve as chairperson of the working group. Representatives from state entities and other relevant stakeholders, as determined by the director of human services or the director's designee, shall be invited to become members of the working group.

(c) Members of the working group shall serve without compensation but shall be reimbursed for reasonable expenses, including travel expenses, necessary for the performance of their duties. No member of the working group shall be subject to chapter 84, Hawaii Revised Statutes, solely because of the member's participation in the working group.

(d) The program developed by the working group shall:

(1) Be administered by the department of human services or other appropriate agency;

(2) Partner with nonprofit organizations for implementation;

(3) Offer financial credits or subsidies to assist with essential living costs;

(4) Use clear eligibility criteria based on Hawaii's cost of living; and

(5) Include accountability measures, including annual reporting requirements.

(e) The working group shall submit a 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 2027.

(f) The working group shall be dissolved on June 30, 2027.

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

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

DHS; State Kamaʻaina Credit Program; ALICE Households; Working Group; Report

Description:

Directs the Department of Human Services to convene a working group to develop a statewide Kamaʻaina credit program to assist asset limited, income constrained, employed households to pay for essential living costs. Requires a report to the Legislature.

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.