Supportive housing and expanded Ohana Zones were the focus of lengthy testimony at the joint hearing for HB431, a measure to create or continue state programs aimed at preventing and ending homelessness.

The Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation (HHFDC), Department of Human Services, the Office on Homelessness and multiple nonprofit providers and advocates testified in favor of the bill. Advocates characterized the measure as an important tool to streamline development of permanent supportive housing, coordinate county and state resources and continue the Ohana Zones pilot program established under prior law.

Why it matters: Witnesses said the legislation would help increase housing supply targeted at people experiencing homelessness and provide ongoing operations funding for wraparound services. Catholic Charities, HomeAid and other providers urged the legislature to fund program administration and supportive services to ensure projects are built and remain operational.

Questions from lawmakers and next steps
- Special fund vs. general appropriation: Senators pressed HHFDC on why a special fund is needed rather than a direct general appropriation. HHFDC said a special fund supports long‑term service provision and avoids lapsing of funds; the agencies said they would provide more detail in follow‑up materials.
- Coordination and efficacy: Senators asked whether existing funding to providers — including federal and county grants and large contracts with providers such as Institute for Human Services — is delivering the expected reductions in homelessness. HHFDC agreed to provide a fuller plan and data on outcomes and agency coordination.

Committee action: Chairs recommended passing HB431 with substantial amendments to (1) appropriate funds for continued Ohana Zones implementation, (2) move and rework sections regarding supportive housing funding and administration, and (3) request HHFDC supply specific funding amounts for supportive housing, Ohana Zones and Kahale (Kāhale) initiatives to the Ways and Means Committee. The recommendation passed in committee votes.

Ending: Senators asked HHFDC and the Office on Homelessness to deliver figures and a plan for how funds would be used, and to explain how state and county responsibilities will align. The committee report will record requested FTE and implementation notes.