STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2259

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                  

 

RE:    S.B. No. 2303

 

 

 

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Twenty-Ninth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2018

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Human Services, to which was referred S.B. No. 2303 entitled:

 

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO YOUTH,"

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to:

 

     (1)  Require the Office of Youth Services to coordinate a two-year safe places for youth pilot program, which will coordinate a network of safe places where youth can access safety and obtain advice, guidance, programs, and services; and

 

     (2)  Establish and appropriate funds for a safe places for a youth pilot program coordinator position and residential options for the pilot program.

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Office of Youth Services, Honolulu Police Department, Hawaii Youth Services Network, Rainbow Family 808, Planned Parenthood Votes Northwest and Hawaii, IMUAlliance, and three individuals.

 

     Your Committee finds that between one million and 1.7 million homeless youth have run away or have been asked to leave their homes.  Your Committee further finds that a 2016 National Conference of State Legislatures article indicates that studies have shown that forty-six percent of runaway youth and homeless youth reported being physically abused, thirty-eight percent reported being emotionally abused, and seventeen percent reported being forced into unwanted sexual activity by a family member or household member.  Homeless youth are at a higher risk for physical abuse, sexual exploitation, mental health disabilities, substance abuse, and death.  Your Committee recognizes the importance of establishing safe places that offer shelter, programs, and support to at-risk youth.

 

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Human Services that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2303 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.

 

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Human Services,

 

 

 

________________________________

JOSH GREEN, Chair