HB 2270 Summary

• Requires the Department of Human Services to establish ohana zones (designated areas providing food, shelter, hygiene facilities, and social services) where homeless persons may reside on state lands in urban districts.

• Designates the Land Use Commission to determine the location of each ohana zone and requires consideration of target populations, site recommendations, facility types including modular structures, and housing-first transition strategies.

• Permits peaceful consumption of alcoholic beverages by persons 21 years or older and allows homeless persons to keep animal companions within ohana zones.

• Provides each ohana zone with hygiene facilities, security, and social services, and maintains operation until the legislature determines homelessness is no longer a crisis in the state.

• Appropriates general revenue funds for fiscal year 2018-2019 to establish the ohana zones (amount left blank in bill) and exempts department employees from civil service requirements.

• Provides state liability immunity for any loss, damage, injury, or death occurring in an ohana zone.