HI HB1098

Changes requirement for partitioned shelter space from mandatory ("shall") to discretionary ("may"), allowing Department of Human Services to determine which emergency shelters need partitioned spaces based on department guidelines.

Delays the effective date of Act 234, Session Laws of Hawaii 2016, from July 1, 2017, to July 1, 2018, except for section 6(c) which remains effective July 1, 2016.

Allows the Department of Human Services flexibility to determine minimum partition area, height, and storage requirements that may differ among emergency shelters based on capacity and number of homeless persons served.

Requires new contracts between the Department of Human Services and shelter provider agencies to comply with Act 234 standards only if contracts take effect after June 30, 2018, rather than June 30, 2017.

Provides shelter providers additional time to meet with the Department of Human Services to discuss compliance requirements and prevents potential significant reduction in available shelter space.