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HCR 123

REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF HAWAIIAN HOME LANDS AND STATEWIDE OFFICE ON HOMELESSNESS AND HOUSING SOLUTIONS TO DEVELOP A COORDINATED SUPPORT AND STABILIZATION PATHWAY FOR NATIVE HAWAIIAN BENEFICIARIES EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS OR EXTREMELY LOW INCOME.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Terez Amato and 8 co-sponsors

DHHL and OHS would jointly study and design a coordinated support pathway to stabilize Native Hawaiian beneficiaries experiencing homelessness or very low incomes, including pilots

Received from House (Hse. Com. No. 568).
#coordinatedsupportandstabilizationpathway #departmentofhawaiianhomelands #statewideofficeonhomelessnessandhousingsolutions
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Bill Summary · HCR 123

Summary of Bill: HCR 123 (2026) – Hawaii

Purpose and intent

  • This House Concurrent Resolution requests collaboration between two state entities—the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) and the statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions (OHS)—to develop a coordinated support and stabilization pathway for Native Hawaiian beneficiaries experiencing homelessness or extremely low income.
  • The underlying aim is to reduce duplication of effort, pool expertise and resources, streamline service delivery, and ensure Native Hawaiian beneficiaries receive more comprehensive and continuous support.

Key provisions and actions requested

The resolution directs DHHL and OHS to undertake and report on several specific tasks, no later than 20 days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2027. The requested actions include:

  1. Quantify need

    • Assess the number of Native Hawaiian beneficiaries experiencing homelessness or whose incomes are at or below 30% of Area Median Income (AMI).

  2. Identify gaps

    • Identify gaps in housing stabilization, rental assistance, and access to supportive housing.

  3. Evaluate feasibility of a coordinated Indigenous support pathway

    • Evaluate how feasible it would be to establish a coordinated pathway that provides ongoing support, follow-up, and access to stabilization services.

  4. Evaluate feasibility of transitional settlement models

    • Assess whether transitional kauhale (community-style housing) or tiny home village models are appropriate on DHHL lands for beneficiary stabilization.

  5. Define safeguards and compliance

    • Identify appropriate classifications and safeguards to ensure compliance with the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act of 1920 (as amended) and related trust obligations.

  6. Explore partnerships with nonprofit providers

    • Examine opportunities for partnerships with nonprofit providers to offer supportive services and case management.

  7. Identify funding sources

    • Identify potential funding sources, including federal housing funds, Medicaid, and state supportive housing funds.

  8. Recommend program structures

    • Recommend pilot program structures, eligibility criteria, and operational safeguards for the pathway.

  9. Prioritize beneficiaries and compliance

    • Ensure the proposed pathway prioritizes eligible Native Hawaiian beneficiaries and maintains full compliance with the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act of 1920 and related obligations.

Reporting and timeline

  • A formal report detailing the development of the coordinated support and stabilization pathway must be submitted to the Legislature by no later than 20 days before the 2027 Regular Session begins.
  • Certified copies of the concurrent resolution will be transmitted to the Chairperson of the Hawaiian Homes Commission and the Coordinator on Homelessness.

Affected parties and scope

  • Primary focus: Native Hawaiian beneficiaries who are homeless or have extremely low incomes.
  • Institutions involved: Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) and the statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions (OHS).
  • Context: Aligns with Hawaii’s broader efforts to address homelessness and housing instability while respecting trust obligations and Native Hawaiian beneficiaries.

Procedural context

  • The resolution is introductory and non-binding, directing DHHL and OHS to undertake a study and deliver a report.
  • It has undergone committee referrals and has been reported from Joint Housing and Homelessness committees (with supportive votes) and progressed through standard legislative process.

Practical impact and considerations

  • If implemented, the bill could lead to:
    • A clearer, coordinated pathway for stabilization services for Native Hawaiian beneficiaries.
    • Data on housing needs and gaps specific to Native Hawaiian populations.
    • Potential pilots (e.g., kauhale or tiny home villages) on DHHL lands, subject to feasibility and compliance considerations.
    • Enhanced collaboration between housing and homelessness agencies, potentially improving service coordination and outcomes.
  • The measure is exploratory and program-design oriented, with emphasis on feasibility, funding, and compliance rather than immediate funding authorizations.

Sponsors and support

  • Primary and co-sponsors include multiple representatives from Hawaii’s Legislature, indicating broad legislative interest.
  • Supported by a range of advocates within and allied to Native Hawaiian housing and homeless services.

If you’d like, I can provide a plain-language Q&A version or map these provisions to potential real-world program components (e.g., eligibility criteria, pilot timelines, and governance considerations).

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

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