HI HB1774

Appropriates funds from general revenues to the Department of Human Services for fiscal year 2016-2017 to provide additional outreach services to homeless individuals and families with children.

Appropriates additional funds to the Office of Youth Services within the Department of Human Services for fiscal year 2016-2017 to provide outreach to unaccompanied homeless youth.

Cites Hawaii's highest per capita homelessness rate among U.S. states and notes that outreach is critical for serving unsheltered homeless populations, particularly as counties increase enforcement in public areas.

Identifies unaccompanied homeless youth as particularly vulnerable to exploitation and notes that over 30 percent of juvenile arrests in Hawaii between 2000-2010 were for running away from home.

Takes effect on July 1, 2050.