S.B. 898 Summary

• Establishes a state rent supplement program for kupuna (seniors) aged 62 and older who are homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness, administered by the Hawaii Public Housing Authority.

• Requires the Hawaii Public Housing Authority to provide rent supplement assistance, housing counseling, landlord assistance, and coordinate with mental health and supportive services for qualified kupuna participants.

• Mandates participants in the program to enroll in the continuum of care coordinated entry system for homeless services.

• Requires the Hawaii Public Housing Authority to submit annual reports to the Legislature with findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation no later than 30 days before each regular session.

• Appropriates an unspecified amount from general revenues for fiscal years 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 to fund the program and full-time equivalent public housing specialist positions; program takes effect July 1, 2050 and repeals June 30, 2026.