HI HB780

Requires the Office of the Lieutenant Governor to convene a working group to examine the feasibility of establishing a kauhale (traditional Hawaiian communal housing) pilot program to serve homeless individuals in Hawaii.

Working group must include the Governor's Coordinator on Homelessness, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, and executive directors from Honolulu's housing office, Hawaii Public Housing Authority, and Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation.

Kauhale pilot program specifications include tiny homes priced at no more than $25,000 per unit, common areas for community engagement, shared facilities, acceptance of residents with substance abuse issues in treatment, and housing for chronically homeless individuals.

Requires identification of at least six potential kauhale sites on Oahu and at least one each on Hawaii, Kauai, and Maui islands, with exemptions from state procurement requirements and county permitting, zoning, and licensing ordinances.

Working group must submit findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation to the legislature no later than twenty days before the 2024 regular legislative session.