CRIM CD-THEFT-LABOR-SERVICES

104th Regular Session Introduced by Jed Davis

House Bill 1094 improves Hawaii's public housing by streamlining management of abandoned and seized properties, ensuring better living conditions for residents.

Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

Bill Information

Bill Number: HB 1094

Title: Relating to the Hawaii Public Housing Authority

Status: Reported from HSG (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 411) as amended in HD 1, recommending passage on Second Reading and referral to JHA.

Introduced: January 13, 2025

Classification: Bill

Subject: Abandoned Property, Federal Public Housing Projects, HPHA, Public Housing, Seized Property

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1094 aims to address issues related to public housing in Hawaii, specifically focusing on the management and disposition of abandoned properties and seized properties within federal public housing projects. The bill seeks to enhance the operational efficiency of the Hawaii Public Housing Authority (HPHA) by providing clearer guidelines and appropriations for managing these properties.

Key Provisions

Management of Abandoned Properties: The bill proposes new regulations for the handling of abandoned properties within public housing projects, ensuring that these properties are dealt with in a timely and efficient manner.

Seized Properties: It includes provisions for the management of properties seized by law enforcement that are located within federal public housing projects, establishing a framework for their disposition.

Appropriations: The bill outlines specific appropriations for personal services and operating expenses related to the HPHA, ensuring that adequate funding is available for the implementation of these provisions.

Financial Implications

The bill includes a detailed budget for the HPHA, specifying allocations for various personnel and operational expenses. This includes:

Regular Salaries: Funding for full-time positions necessary for the effective management of public housing.
Extra Help: Provision for temporary or part-time employees to assist with increased workloads as needed.
Operating Expenses: A total appropriation of $14,697,089 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, which covers salaries, operational costs, and specific programs related to tobacco prevention and cessation.

Affected Parties

Hawaii Public Housing Authority (HPHA): The primary agency responsible for managing public housing in Hawaii will be directly impacted by the provisions of this bill.

Residents of Public Housing: Individuals living in public housing may experience changes in how abandoned and seized properties are managed, potentially leading to improved living conditions.

Law Enforcement Agencies: Agencies involved in the seizure of properties will need to adapt to the new regulations regarding the management of these properties within public housing.

Procedural Aspects

The bill was introduced on January 13, 2025, and has undergone several readings and amendments. It was reported from the HSG committee with recommendations for passage and is currently referred to the JHA committee for further consideration.

The timeline indicates a sense of urgency, with an emergency clause adopted to expedite the bill's implementation.

Conclusion

House Bill 1094 represents a significant step towards improving the management of public housing in Hawaii by addressing the challenges posed by abandoned and seized properties. With its detailed appropriations and regulatory framework, the bill aims to enhance the operational capacity of the HPHA and ultimately improve living conditions for residents in public housing.

Bill