STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2345

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 2803

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Health and Human Services, to which was referred S.B. No. 2803 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO HOMELESSNESS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to:

(1) Require the Department of Human Services to submit a plan for the consolidation of the Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions and Homeless Programs Office under a single centralized entity;

(2) Require reports to the Legislature by the consolidated entity;

(3) Appropriate funds; and

(4) Authorize the issuance of general obligation bonds for the Kauhale Initiative and related capital improvement projects.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Community Services of the City and County of Honolulu, Rainbow Family 808, and three individuals.

Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Human Services and Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions.

Your Committee finds that homelessness remains a critical and complex issue requiring coordinated housing, health, and supportive services across multiple programs. Your Committee further finds that the Department of Human Services administers multiple homelessness programs that would benefit from improved accountability, coordination, and strategic use of public resources under a single centralized entity. This measure strengthens oversight, promotes data-driven policymaking, and supports continued investment in initiatives and capital improvements to reduce homelessness statewide.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Health and Human Services that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2803 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Health and Human Services,

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JOY A. SAN BUENAVENTURA, Chair