STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2905

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 2866

S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred S.B. No. 2866, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO KUPUNA HOUSING,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to make permanent the State Rent Supplement Program for Kupuna and to appropriate moneys to sustain and administer the program.

Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Executive Office on Aging, Hawaii Public Housing Authority, Catholic Charities Hawaii, Aloha United Way, AARP Hawaii, Policy Advisory Board for Elderly Affairs, and LeadingAge Pacific West.

Your Committee finds that the State Rent Supplement Program for Kupuna is a cost-effective and targeted strategy that assists Hawaii's senior residents to remain safely housed in their communities, close to their support networks and health providers, and in familiar surroundings. Making this program permanent will provide stability for some of Hawaii's most vulnerable residents, while helping the State avoid the far greater costs associated with homelessness, emergency medical care, and alternative living arrangements.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2866, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,

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DONOVAN M. DELA CRUZ, Chair