HI HCR105

Requests the Department of the Attorney General to convene a task force to investigate and coordinate provision of medical, educational, housing, and social services to migrants from Freely Associated States (Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of the Marshall Islands, and Republic of Palau).

Over 12,000 Freely Associated States citizens have migrated to Hawaii; between 2004 and 2010, their education, health, public safety, and social services costs totaled $628,752,280, with education and health care accounting for the largest shares.

Task force must include representatives from the Department of Health, Department of Human Services, Board of Education, Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, University of Hawaii at Manoa medical school, University of Hawaii-West Oahu, and community organizations including the Micronesian Community Network and Micronesians United.

Task force must consult with the Department of the Interior's Office of Insular Affairs regarding available federal funds and services, work with the U.S. Census Bureau on obtaining demographic data, and investigate service needs and their impact on schools.

Task force must submit a report to the Legislature no later than 20 days prior to the convening of the 2016 Regular Session with actions taken, information gathered, and recommendations made.