HI HR7

Hawaii has one of the highest sheltered homelessness rates nationally at 43 per 10,000 people, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's 2023 report.

More than 150 homeless individuals live in the Wahiawa to North Shore region and over 300 in the Ewa and Kapolei region, with Central Oahu overlapping both areas and historically receiving less attention than Waikiki and urban Honolulu.

Achieve Zero nonprofit organization closed in November due to financial burden, creating a service gap for homeless individuals in Central Oahu despite being instrumental in addressing local homelessness issues.

Requests the Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions to contract with a qualified local nonprofit to establish outreach, regular care, and services for homeless individuals in Central Oahu.

Directs the Statewide Office to establish a nonprofit network connecting local community organizations addressing homelessness to identify service gaps and implement practical solutions.