THE SENATE

S.R. NO.

86

TWENTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2005

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 
   


SENATE RESOLUTION

 

requesting the department of human services to study the feasibility of building tent cities on each island to house the homeless.

 

WHEREAS, homelessness is a continuing and increasing social problem and the demand for homeless shelters far exceeds the supply; and

WHEREAS, it is in the interest of the people of Hawaii that homeless persons do not take up residence in public parks or on public beaches; and

WHEREAS, tents today are strong and durable, made of quality materials and are used throughout the world by businesses, nonprofit organizations, the military, and other entities as low-cost living facilities; and

WHEREAS, in the face of the very few options available to the homeless, tent cities are a viable alternative to fill an urgent need for homeless shelters; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Twenty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2005, that the Department of Human Services is requested to study the feasibility of building tent cities on each island to house the homeless; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Human Services is requested to examine in its study:

(1) Possible locations on each island -- preferably abandoned or vacant agricultural land, unused government facilities, or abandoned military installations -- at least one mile from any residential community;

(2) The pros and cons of various types of tents or other suitable accommodations;

(3) The need for and type of rules by which to regulate residents' conduct and activities;

(4) The need for and type of policing authority required to enforce rules;

(5) The need for and type of penalties for rule violations;

(6) Provision of on-site sanitary facilities such as showers and latrines;

(7) Provision of on-site schools for children;

(8) Provision of on-site alcohol and drug treatment programs;

(9) Provision of on-site job-training programs;

(10) Provision of bus stops near the facilities; and

(11) Associated capital and maintenance costs; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Director of Human Services is requested to submit findings and recommendations to the Legislature, including any necessary proposed legislation, no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2006; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Directors of Human Services, Finance, Health, Labor and Industrial Relations, and Transportation, the Superintendent of Education, the Chairperson of the Board of Land and Natural Resources, the Governor, and the Mayors and chairpersons of the councils of the respective counties.

 

 

 

OFFERED BY:

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Report Title:

DHS Study Tent Cities for Homeless