HI HB384

Addresses youth violence as a growing concern in Hawaii, noting that in 2010 youth violence cost the state over $109,000,000, with $28,000,000 from youth property crime alone.

Notes that the average cost to incarcerate a youth at the Hawaii youth correctional facility was over $199,000 in 2013, with three-quarters of youth re-adjudicated or convicted within three years of release.

Appropriates funds from general revenues to the Department of Human Services for fiscal years 2015-2016 and 2016-2017 to fund operational costs of therapeutic prevention and mental health programs for high-risk youth.

Directs a multi-pronged approach incorporating both school-centered and neighborhood-centered programs to promote education, self-esteem, leadership, and responsibility.

Takes effect on July 1, 2050.