Hawaii House Bill HR163

Hawaii 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/10/23
• Refer: 3/15/23

Caption

Urging The City And County Of Honolulu's Crisis Outreach Response And Engagement Program To Provide Regular Care And Services To Individuals Experiencing Homelessness In The Central Oahu, North Shore, Leeward, And Windward Regions Of Oahu On A Regular Rotating Schedule.

Impact

The resolution is aimed at ameliorating the situation of homelessness on the island by ensuring that outreach efforts are not limited to the urban core of Honolulu but are extended to other regions where the need is significant. This initiative aligns with local government efforts, non-profit organizations, and community groups that have already been working to support homeless individuals and families. The expectation is that by rolling out a structured and regular comprehensive outreach service, the city can better address the needs of this vulnerable population, providing them with crucial support and resources.

Summary

House Resolution 163 urges the City and County of Honolulu's Crisis Outreach Response and Engagement Program to expand its services to provide regular care for the homeless population in various regions of Oahu, including Central Oahu, North Shore, Leeward, and Windward areas. The resolution highlights the complexity of homelessness as an issue that necessitates comprehensive planning and coordination across multiple sectors. With the understanding that homelessness remains a growing concern, the bill advocates for a proactive approach to caring for the unsheltered population through the established outreach program, which has been operational since October 2021.

Contention

Though the resolution mostly seeks to encourage improved service provision, it does surface potential contention regarding the adequacy of existing support mechanisms and the actual impact of outreach. There is concern among some stakeholders about whether merely expanding the reach of services will meaningfully address the deep-rooted issues tied to homelessness. Furthermore, effective coordination among various service providers and the sustainability of funding for these initiatives are critical topics that could spark debate among policymakers and community leaders.