H.B. 1129 Summary

• Establishes a voluntary return-to-home program administered by the Hawaii public housing authority to assist homeless persons in reuniting with family members in their home states.

• Eligibility requires participation be completely voluntary, the person has a support system in place in their home state, proper clearance from court if on parole or probation, and the person is indigent without financial resources for return transportation.

• Authority shall seek participation from local airlines, cruise lines, charter companies, homeless programs, travel agencies, and the visitor industry to implement and coordinate the program.

• Authority shall assist program participants with identification, airport security orientation, personal care basics, and follow up within one month of return to support reunification efforts.

• Appropriates unspecified funds from general revenues for fiscal years 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 to cover program costs and staff salaries; takes effect July 1, 2019.