HI HCR151

Establishes a temporary Economic Opportunity Poverty Reduction Task Force under the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to assess current state policies and develop a plan to expand economic opportunities and reduce poverty in Hawaii.

Task Force shall study best practices in building family assets, expanding educational opportunities, creating quality jobs, implementing targeted tax policies, and addressing work-support issues.

Task Force shall evaluate federally and state-supported anti-poverty programs, the economic impact of poverty, policies affecting those below the self-sufficiency standard, and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program with goals to increase participation.

Requires the Task Force to develop a strategic plan by December 22, 2015, aimed at reducing the number of Hawaii residents living in poverty by at least 50 percent by 2021.

Comprises five members including one House representative, one Senator, one Governor appointee, and two community organization representatives with poverty reduction expertise; members serve without compensation and the Task Force terminates December 22, 2017.