H.B. 659 Summary

• Department of Human Services shall develop and implement a pilot program to establish a kanaka village for homeless persons utilizing tents or other structures with traditional and modern Hawaiian sustainability methods.

• DHS must collaborate with Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, Department of Health, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, and Hawaii Public Housing Authority to develop the village program.

• Village programs must address substance abuse, alcoholism, and mental health issues, and provide life skills training to residents.

• DHS shall report to the legislature no later than twenty days before the 2014 regular session with findings, recommendations, and whether to extend the pilot program statewide.

• General revenues are appropriated for fiscal years 2013-2014 and 2014-2015 to fund the kanaka village pilot program, effective July 1, 2013.