HI SB964

Amends Act 234, Session Laws of Hawaii 2016, to make partitioned shelter space optional rather than mandatory, allowing the Department of Human Services to determine which emergency shelters require partitions based on departmental guidelines.

Changes the effective date for emergency shelter compliance requirements from June 30, 2017, to June 30, 2018, providing an additional one year for department and shelter providers to implement Act 234.

Allows minimum partitioned space area and partition height standards to be determined by the Department of Human Services and permits variation among different shelters based on capacity and usage patterns.

Clarifies that shelters providing separate rooms, portable dwelling units, converted shipping containers, or school classrooms are deemed to exceed the minimum partitioned space requirement.

Requires all contracts between the Department of Human Services and shelter provider agencies taking effect after June 30, 2018, to comply with Act 234's minimum shelter requirements.