Hawaii Senate Bill SCR95

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/7/25
• Refer: 3/11/25
• Report Pass: 4/1/25
• Engrossed: 4/2/25
• Refer: 4/4/25

Caption

Requesting The County Of Maui To Study The Feasibility Of Implementing A Universal Basic Income Program For Residents And Business Owners Impacted By The 2023 Maui Wildfires.

Impact

The proposed UBI is modeled after successful recovery initiatives, such as Tennessee's My People Fund, which provided regular cash payments to wildfire victims, thereby improving housing security and emotional health. It is suggested that by implementing a UBI, the County of Maui could create a financial safety net that empowers impacted individuals by allowing them to address their most pressing needs, including housing, medical expenses, and business recovery. The resolution acknowledges the projected long-term economic challenges faced by the county, including housing instability and declining tourism revenues, requesting that measures be taken to alleviate these issues.

Summary

Senate Concurrent Resolution 95 (SCR95) requests the County of Maui to study the feasibility of implementing a universal basic income (UBI) program aimed at assisting residents and business owners severely impacted by the 2023 Maui wildfires. The wildfires have caused extensive damage, displacing thousands and disrupting the local economy, which has raised significant concerns regarding long-term recovery efforts. This resolution aims to explore how a UBI could offer direct financial support to help stabilize the local community amidst the ongoing recovery process.

Contention

While the resolution is positioned positively towards aiding recovery, it remains open to various discussions around eligibility criteria, funding sources, and potential partnerships with nonprofit organizations and research institutions. The feasibility study required by the resolution must consider these factors carefully, ensuring that all voices and concerns from the affected community are heard. The resolution does not mandate immediate action but rather encourages a detailed examination of how best to implement such a program, highlighting both the nuances of UBI and the broader implications for state welfare policies.