SB2501 Summary

• Establishes an "ohana zones" program within the Department of Human Services to provide housing and supportive services to homeless individuals under a housing-first model, with a goal of completing a minimum of 8,000 homes within two years.

• Each ohana zone must be at least two acres with no more than 100 homes, each home costing no more than $15,000 with at least 300 square feet of living space, and includes a community center with showers, bathrooms, social services, kitchen, and multipurpose rooms.

• Residents with no income pay nothing; those with income pay no more than 20% of gross monthly income (or 20% of family aggregate income minus $100 per dependent for families).

• Creates limited liability protections for public entities, public employees, and volunteers providing services to homeless individuals, as well as nonprofit organizations supplying volunteers.

• Appropriates funds for fiscal year 2018-2019 to the Department of Human Services, Hawaii Public Housing Authority, and Department of Health for ohana zones construction, housing improvements, rapid rehousing programs, outreach services, and substance abuse diversion programs.