HB 2479 - Relating to Homelessness

• Requires the governor to establish a safe zone for homeless persons on state-designated land by September 1, 2018, which the governor may operate directly or through a contracted public or private agency.

• Creates a chronic homelessness task force within the Department of Human Services consisting of the governor's homelessness coordinator and seven currently chronically homeless members, with each homeless member compensated $100 for service; task force ceases to exist August 30, 2019.

• Prohibits intentional sitting or lying on public sidewalks (or objects placed on them) in counties with populations exceeding 500,000, with exceptions for medical emergencies, disabilities, expressive activities, permitted events, maintenance work, children in carriers, and authorized activities; violation is a petty misdemeanor after warning by law enforcement.

• Amends section 346-367, Hawaii Revised Statutes, to prohibit provider agencies from denying any person access to a homeless facility except as provided by law or rule.

• Appropriates unspecified funding for fiscal year 2018-2019 for safe zone establishment and operation, and $700 for compensation of homeless task force members; effective date July 1, 2018.