Following the success of a pilot program launched in 2023, the Hawaii State Legislature is considering a bill to make the “Return-to-Home” program a permanent fixture in the state’s efforts to combat homelessness. The program, which partners with The Institute for Human Services, Inc., has successfully reunited over one hundred homeless individuals with their families and support networks in their home states.
Bill HB212 HD2 , if passed, would officially establish the Return-to-Home program under Chapter 346 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes. It designates the statewide office on homelessness and housing solutions as the coordinating body, tasked with establishing public-private partnerships by contracting with eligible nonprofit organizations, for-profit organizations, or foundations to administer the program.
The proposed legislation outlines specific eligibility requirements for individuals seeking to participate in the Return-to-Home program:
- Participation must be entirely voluntary.
- Individuals on parole, probation, or awaiting court hearings/sentencing must have proper clearance.
- Participants must be indigent and lack the financial means to return home independently.
- The individual’s family or support group must be contacted and confirm their willingness to accept the individual’s return.
- Families or support groups are expected to contribute half of the transportation costs, unless they are unable to afford it, which will be verified by the program.
The bill also emphasizes the importance of collaboration with local entities, encouraging the participation of airlines, cruise lines, charter companies, homeless programs, travel agencies, and the visitor industry in coordinating and implementing the program.
Furthermore, the Return-to-Home program will assist participants in preparing for travel, including obtaining identification, accessing airport transportation, understanding airport security procedures, and ensuring proper personal hygiene.
To ensure transparency and accountability, the bill mandates the statewide office on homelessness and housing solutions to submit annual reports to the legislature, detailing the program’s findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation.
The bill includes a provision to repeal Act 94, Session Laws of Hawaii 2023, which established the initial pilot program. It also proposes an appropriation from the state’s general revenues to fund the program for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027. The funds will cover operational costs, current expenses, and a full-time equivalent (FTE) position to assist and supervise the program. The exact amount of the appropriation is yet to be determined.
While the bill aims to provide a pathway home for eligible homeless individuals, some concerns have been raised about the long-term sustainability and effectiveness of solely focusing on relocation. Supporters, however, argue that the program offers a vital opportunity for individuals to reconnect with supportive networks and rebuild their lives in a more stable environment.
The bill has progressed through several stages in the legislative process:
- On 1/16/2025, the bill was introduced and passed its first reading.
- On 1/21/2025, it was referred to the committees on HSH and FIN.
- On 2/6/2025, the committee on HSH recommended the bill be passed with amendments.
- On 2/12/2025, it passed the second reading as amended and was referred to the committee on FIN.
- On 2/24/2025, the committee on FIN recommended passage with amendments.
- On 3/6/2025, the bill passed its first reading in the Senate and was referred to the committees on HHS and WAM.
- A public hearing by the committees on HHS is scheduled for 03-12-2025 at 1:10 PM in Conference Room 225 and via videoconference.
The bill is currently under consideration by the legislature and is expected to face further debate and amendments before a final vote. The public is invited to submit testimony on the bill, offering their opinions and insights during the upcoming public hearing.