STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1289

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                  

 

RE:    H.B. No. 530

 

 

 

Honorable Donna Mercado Kim

President of the Senate

Twenty-Seventh State Legislature

Regular Session of 2013

State of Hawaii

 

Madam:

 

     Your Committees on Human Services and Technology and the Arts, to which was referred H.B. No. 530 entitled:

 

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO HOMELESSNESS,"

 

beg leave to report as follows:

 

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to designate November as "Homelessness Awareness Month" to promote public awareness of homelessness as a significant problem.

 

     Your Committees received testimony in support of this measure from Catholic Charities Hawaii, the Hawaii Appleseed Center for Law and Economic Justice, Community Alliance for Mental Health, Papa Ola Lokahi, and three individuals.

 

     Your Committees find that the impact of homelessness is devastating for the individuals and families who struggle to survive without permanent housing.  This is a complex problem that requires greater public education to help our community move toward a viable solution.  A "Homelessness Awareness Month" will draw attention to this critical issue and promote greater understanding of the challenges and needs of people experiencing homelessness.

 

     As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Human Services and Technology and the Arts that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 530, and recommend that it pass Second Reading and be placed on the calendar for Third Reading.

 

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committees on Human Services and Technology and the Arts,

 

____________________________

GLENN WAKAI, Chair

 

____________________________

SUZANNE CHUN OAKLAND, Chair