HI HB734

Defines "housing first program rental assistance payments" as periodic rental assistance payments for units in eligible projects housing chronically homeless individuals in housing first programs.

Allows the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation to use rental assistance revolving fund moneys to make housing first program rental assistance payments from sums provided by the Department of Human Services under section 346-378.

Redefines "chronically homeless individual" as a person who has experienced homelessness for one year or longer, or experienced at least four episodes of homelessness in the last three years and has a disability (replacing prior definition based on addiction or mental illness).

Authorizes the Department of Human Services to contract with the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation to implement housing first programs, and allows programs to incorporate housing first program rental assistance payments.

Effective date: July 1, 2050.