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SCR 212

REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES TO ASSESS THE FEASIBILITY OF IMPLEMENTING A SENIOR CITIZEN DISCOUNT PROGRAM TO PROVIDE A TWENTY PERCENT DISCOUNT ON CERTAIN GOODS AND SERVICES FOR LOW- TO MODERATE-INCOME ELDERS IN THE STATE.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Stanley Chang and 2 co-sponsors

SCR 212 asks DHS to study feasibility of a 20% senior discount for Hawaii residents 65+ on housing, utilities, food, meds; report by late 2025; could lead to further legislation.

Referred to HHS, WAM.
#departmentofhumanservices #report #seniorcitizendiscount #study
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Bill Summary · SCR 212

SCR 212 Summary — Hawaii, 2025 Regular Session

Overview

SCR 212 is a concurrent resolution requesting the Department of Human Services (DHS) to study the feasibility of implementing a senior citizen discount program in Hawaii. The proposed program would offer a 20% discount on certain essential costs for low- to moderate-income residents aged 65 and older. The measure references the Philippines’ Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010 as a model and directs a report to the Legislature with findings and any proposed legislation.

Purpose and Intent

  • To assess whether a 20% discount program for seniors can be feasibly implemented in Hawaii.
  • To evaluate potential benefits and implementation challenges of providing a 20% discount on key expenditures for eligible seniors.
  • To inform future legislative action by submitting findings and recommendations, including any proposed bills, before the 2026 Regular Session.

Key Provisions

  • The Department of Human Services is requested to conduct a feasibility study on offering a 20% discount for all low- and moderate-income residents aged 65+ on:
    • Housing (including subsidized rent or public housing)
    • Utilities
    • Food
    • Prescription drugs
  • The DHS must submit a report of findings and recommendations to the Legislature no later than 20 days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2026. The report may include proposed legislation.
  • A certified copy of the resolution must be transmitted to the Director of Human Services.

Affected Parties

  • Primary beneficiaries: Hawaii residents aged 65 and older who are low- to moderate-income.
  • Related stakeholders: housing providers (including subsidized/public housing), utility providers, grocers and food suppliers, prescription drug providers, DHS, and the Hawaii Legislature.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduced: March 7, 2025.
  • Legislative action: Referred to Human Services (HHS) and Ways and Means (WAM) on March 12, 2025.
  • Report deadline: no later than 20 days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2026 (effectively December 2025 timeframe, given Hawaii’s January convening pattern).

Related Bills

  • SR 186 (companion measure in the Senate)

Potential Impact

  • This resolution does not enact new law; it initiates a study that could influence future policy decisions and budget considerations regarding elder discounts.
  • If the feasibility study finds support, it could lead to proposed legislation and, potentially, a pilot program or statewide implementation. The fiscal implications would depend on the study’s findings and any subsequent legislative action.

Note: The measure emphasizes independence and dignity for seniors by addressing affordability of essential needs, drawing on an international precedent as a basis for consideration.

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

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