REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES' OFFICE OF YOUTH SERVICES AND JUVENILE JUSTICE STATE ADVISORY COUNCIL TO CONTINUE THE USE OF AINA-BASED LEARNING PROGRAMS OFFERED TO YOUTH IN THE JUVENILE LEGAL SYSTEM.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Terez Amato and 5 co-sponsors

Urges continued use and expansion of ʻāina‑based learning programs for youth in the juvenile system, and creation of a resource list for community service options.

Received notice of Adoption in House (Hse. Com. No. 819).

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Summary — HCR 174 (2025)

Title: Requesting the Department of Human Services' Office of Youth Services and Juvenile Justice State Advisory Council to continue the use of ʻāina‑based learning programs offered to youth in the juvenile legal system
Type: Concurrent Resolution
Introduced: March 7, 2025
Final action: Adopted in final form (House agreed to Senate amendments); adopted April 25, 2025. (Received notice of adoption in House 04‑30‑2025.)
Companion: HR 170

Purpose / Intent

HCR 174 urges the State to support and expand use of ʻāina‑based learning programs for youth involved in the juvenile legal system. The resolution frames this approach as a culturally grounded alternative to typical community‑service placements and to monetary penalties (fees, fines, costs, restitution) that disproportionately burden Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, and African‑American youth. It emphasizes that reconnecting youth with ʻāina (land, ocean, air, living things) and cultural practices may promote healing, reduce intergenerational trauma, and lower recidivism.

Key provisions / requests

Requests the Department of Human Services’ Office of Youth Services (OYS) and the Juvenile Justice State Advisory Council to continue the use of ʻāina‑based learning programs offered to youth in the juvenile legal system (SD1, the adopted version).

Requests OYS and the Juvenile Justice State Advisory Council to create and disseminate a list of organizations that employ ʻāina‑based learning that family courts may use when assigning community service to minors.

Directs that certified copies of the concurrent resolution be transmitted to:

Director of Human Services
Executive Director of the Office of Youth Services
Chairperson of the Juvenile Justice State Advisory Council

(Note: an earlier HD1 version also asked these entities to examine availability and utilization of such programs; the Senate amendment (SD1) shifts language to “continue the use” and notes existing collaborative work at Kawailoa Youth and Family Wellness Center.)

Who is affected

Youth in Hawaii’s juvenile/family court system (particularly those ordered to perform community service).

Family courts that assign community service as part of dispositions.

Nonprofit and community organizations that provide ʻāina‑based programs (many are not‑for‑profit).

Department of Human Services (OYS) and the Juvenile Justice State Advisory Council (administrative and coordination roles).

Procedural/timeline notes

Referred to House committees (HSH, JHA, HHS) with hearings in March–April 2025; committee recommendations were favorable (some with amendments).

Adopted by the Legislature as a concurrent resolution on April 25, 2025.

As a concurrent resolution, HCR 174 is non‑binding policy guidance requesting action rather than creating statutory obligations or appropriations. Implementation depends on the willingness and administrative capacity of OYS, the Juvenile Justice State Advisory Council, and courts.