HI SB2787

Establishes an Immigration Services and Access Unit within the Office of Community Services to provide statewide services for immigrant integration, economic self-sufficiency, and civic engagement.

Unit responsibilities include operating immigrant resource centers, administering refugee programs, coordinating with government and nonprofit agencies, and contracting with qualified nonprofit organizations.

Appropriates $450,000 for fiscal year 2024-2025, including $80,000 for a unit supervisor position, $48,000 for a fiscal clerk position, $12,000 for operations, $300,000 for immigrant resource center expansion and disaster assistance for Maui wildfire victims, and $10,000 for furniture and equipment.

Addresses unmet needs for recent immigrants including language access, legal status issues, employment assistance, education support, health care access, and cultural acculturation services.

Takes effect July 1, 2024.