SB 1610 Summary

• Establishes the Ohana Zones Program within the Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions to provide temporary housing and services to homeless individuals and families using housing-first principles.

• Authorizes the office to coordinate with public and private entities to develop ohana zone sites on public or private lands, with requirements for environmental protection, infrastructure planning, and allowance for off-the-grid technologies.

• Permits ohana zone sites to provide secure dwelling spaces, medical and social support services, and transportation to appointments, with residents eligible to request ninety-day extensions of services.

• Exempts ohana zones program contracts from certain state procurement and environmental review requirements, but maintains compliance with floodplain management and National Flood Insurance Program standards.

• Requires the office to establish performance measures, monthly milestones, and evaluation criteria, and submit annual reports to the Legislature detailing progress, accomplishments, and program impact on homelessness.