HI HR227

Urges the Governor to release or restore funds to the Department of Human Services for the Ka Pā'alana Traveling Preschool and Homeless Family Education Program serving homeless children on Oahu's Leeward Coast.

DHS has notified Partners in Development Foundation of its intention to terminate the contract funding Ka Pā'alana due to lack of available funds.

Ka Pā'alana provides essential services including center-based preschool, testing, portfolio assessment, and health and developmental referrals for approximately 800 pre-school children.

Elimination of DHS funding would result in loss of 15 to 20 full-time positions at Partners in Development Foundation.

Requests Governor either release full funding for the program or restructure the executive budget to allow Ka Pā'alana services to continue through fiscal year 2011-2012 and consult on a plan for future funding.