HI HCR12

Requests government-funded housing agencies to allow elderly tenants in public and senior housing to temporarily keep grandchildren-in-crisis with them without eviction while finding appropriate housing.

Directs housing officials to waive house rules and avoid sending eviction notices to eligible seniors who unexpectedly become primary caregivers for grandchildren under 18.

References a 2007 needs assessment showing over 14,000 grandparents are primary caregivers for over 33,000 grandchildren in Hawaii, saving the state approximately $17,000,000 per month in foster care costs.

Acknowledges that Hawaii's high housing costs and current federal/state exemptions for senior housing create barriers for grandparents seeking to house grandchildren-in-crisis.

Requests housing officials to identify affected grandparents and provide a reasonable timeframe for them to secure suitable housing accommodations.