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HCR 97

Creating the West Virginia Justice Reinvestment Taskforce

2025 Regular Session Introduced by J.B. Akers and 5 co-sponsors

UH should implement a Homeless Student Stability and Housing Resource Program guided by 2025 survey results to improve housing, food access, and mental health support for students.

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Bill Summary · HCR 97

Summary of Bill: HCR 97 (URGING THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII TO IMPLEMENT A HOMELESS STUDENT STABILITY AND HOUSING RESOURCE PROGRAM TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE OF HOUSING INSTABILITY)

Overview

  • Type: Concurrent Resolution
  • Sponsor(s): Takayama, Amato, Garrett, Keohokap u-lee Loy, Kila, Iwamoto, Grandinetti, Marten, Poepoe, Perruso, Kusch (multiple primary sponsors)
  • Introduced: March 5, 2025
  • Status: Reported from the House Committee on Education (HED, Stand. Com. Rep. No. 1573) recommending referral to the Committee on Housing (HSG); referred earlier to Culture, Recreation & Tourism; scheduled and discussed in HED; reported with recommendation to pass to HSG
  • Related Bill: HR 93 (companion)

Purpose and Intent

  • The bill urges the University of Hawaii (UH) to implement a Homeless Student Stability and Housing Resource Program aimed at addressing housing instability among UH students.
  • It directs UH to use the results of the 2025 UH Basic Needs Committee survey to develop a plan that:
    • Addresses basic needs insecurity (housing, food, healthcare)
    • Strengthens mental health services
    • Increases awareness of and access to available resources and support

Key Provisions (what the resolution asks UH to do)

  • Urge UH to implement a comprehensive program specifically focused on homeless student stability and housing resources.
  • Require UH to leverage the 2025 Basic Needs Committee survey results to inform:
    • A plan to reduce basic needs insecurity within the student population
    • Enhancements to mental health services for students
    • Greater visibility and easier access to housing, food, healthcare, and related support
  • Request certified copies of the resolution be transmitted to:
    • Chairperson of the UH Board of Regents
    • President of UH

Context and Data Highlights Driving the Resolution

  • The 2020 Hope Center/University of Hawaii Basic Needs Center survey indicated significant levels of basic needs insecurity among UH students:
    • 58% faced at least one form of basic needs insecurity (BNI)
    • Of BNIs, 44% experienced housing insecurity; 14% homelessness; 39% food insecurity
    • Only 15% of students experiencing BNI received emergency aid
    • Among the 85% not receiving aid, 78% did not think they would be eligible, and 58% were unaware of existing programs or how to apply
  • Mental health capacity concerns:
    • Recommended staffing standard: 1 mental health practitioner per 1,000–1,500 students
    • UH Manoa (as cited) has 0.5 psychiatrists and 4.5 psychologists for 20,048 students, roughly 1 staff per ~4,010 students, below the recommended range

Who is Affected

  • UH students across all levels and campuses who experience housing instability, homelessness, food insecurity, or related basic needs insecurity
  • UH governance and administration (via policy guidance and program development)
  • UH mental health services (potential expansion and prioritization)

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • The measure was referred to HSG after HED consideration; a public hearing schedule and committee actions occurred in March 2025.
  • The resolution’s effectiveness is non-binding; it does not authorize funding but directs UH to pursue a program and plan using the 2025 survey results.
  • The companion bill (HR 93) exists at the House level for cross-reference.

Potential Impact

  • Non-binding guidance that could lead UH to establish or expand a homeless student stability and housing resource program.
  • Could catalyze improved access to housing assistance, emergency aid, food security programs, and enhanced mental health services, particularly if UH allocates resources or adjusts policies in response to the survey findings.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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