HI HB374

Establishes a new position of state coordinator on homelessness within the Department of Human Services to organize and oversee statewide efforts to end homelessness, reporting directly to the lieutenant governor.

Grants the state coordinator authority to serve as principal officer for homelessness programs, oversee implementation of plans by the Hawaii interagency council on homelessness, coordinate with county homeless coordinators, and develop affordable housing initiatives.

Empowers the state coordinator to employ exempt staff and adopt administrative rules under chapter 91.

Amends section 26-1 to place the state coordinator on homelessness under the lieutenant governor's supervision as a new duty of the office.

Appropriates unspecified funds for fiscal years 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 to establish one full-time equivalent position and cover related staff and expenses; takes effect July 1, 2019.