Report Title:

Senior Centers

Description:

Requires that the public land on which the Lanakila multi-purpose senior center is situated be set aside in perpetuity for a senior opportunities center.

THE SENATE

S.B. NO.

927

TWENTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2003

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 


 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

RELATING TO AGING.

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that senior citizens benefit from, and deserve access to, senior centers that provide community-based services to elders. Although families have the primary responsibility for caring for their elder members, the legislature finds that the State, in partnership with the private sector, can play a role in assisting families in their effort to care for their elders. Community services to elders is critical to the public good, and assisting the private sector in the development of an organized and coordinated system of establishing multi-purpose senior centers serves a public purpose.

The Lanakila multi-purpose senior center is an example of an existing center that is thriving in response to a great public demand for senior programs and services. The center is situated on a parcel of land set aside for a senior opportunities center by executive order number 2386 which was issued on June 19, 1966, under the control of and management by the department of accounting and general services.

The legislature finds that under section 171-11, Hawaii Revised Statutes, the governor may withdraw public lands, and with the approval of the board of land and natural resources, set aside the withdrawn lands to another department or agency of the State, any county, or any political subdivision of the State for public use or purpose. This power, however, is exercised subject to disapproval by the legislature by a two-thirds vote.

The legislature further finds that the department of accounting and general services intends to request the cancellation of executive order number 2386 and issuance of a new executive order that would transfer control and management responsibilities of that parcel of land to the city and county of Honolulu. While the intent is to continue the set aside for a senior opportunities center, the legislature is concerned, notwithstanding the protections under section 171-11, Hawaii Revised Statutes, that the purpose of the set aside could be changed in the future.

The purpose of this Act is to ensure that the public land on which the Lanakila multi-purpose senior center is situated will be set aside in perpetuity for the public purpose of a senior opportunities center.

SECTION 2. Chapter 171, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part I to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§171-   Set aside for senior opportunities center. (a) Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, the parcel of land set aside by executive order number 2386 on June 19, 1966, for a senior opportunities center shall be dedicated in perpetuity for that purpose regardless of which government entity is given the control and management responsibilities.

senior center and complying with federal requirements for funding."

SECTION 3. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:

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