HI SR38

Urges the Hawaii Public Housing Authority (HPHA) to contract with provider agencies to establish homeless safe zones that provide designated areas for homeless individuals to stay at night in safe, supervised settings.

Requires homeless safe zones to provide at minimum basic sanitary facilities and sleeping areas, with optional amenities such as bedding or security guards.

Allows provider agencies to operate safe zones on their own property, use grant funds to rent property, or lease public lands through the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR).

Directs DLNR and other state agencies to assist HPHA and provider agencies in identifying, contracting for, and conveying available land and improvements for use as homeless safe zones.

Responds to immediate housing needs of homeless populations while the Legislature pursues long-term solutions including public housing construction, employment programs, and substance abuse treatment.