Hawaii House Bill HB1080

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/23/25
• Refer: 1/23/25

Caption

Relating To Family Resilience Pilot Program.

Impact

This proposed pilot program would provide trauma-informed peer support navigators with lived experience to help families navigate public benefits and enhance community and cultural programming. With an appropriation of $987,150 for the 2025-2026 fiscal year and a similar amount for the 2026-2027 fiscal year, the bill aims to create a comprehensive support system that fosters parental resilience and social networks among families. The bill is designed to establish effective tracking systems to ensure compliance with applicable state and federal laws, as well as an implementation and evaluation plan with clear goals.

Summary

House Bill 1080 seeks to establish and fund a Family Resilience Pilot Program within the Office of Wellness and Resilience in Hawaii. The bill addresses the need for greater programs and resources to enhance family resilience and aims to reduce the risk of child abuse and neglect. The bill recognizes that many families at high risk of entering the child welfare system are often unaware of available services and the public benefits that could assist them in overcoming economic or social challenges. This initiative follows recommendations from the Malama Ohana Working Group, which found a significant shortage of resources committed to preventing families from engaging with the child welfare system.

Contention

Notable points of contention arise from the challenge of determining how effectively the proposed program can address the needs of high-risk families and whether the allocated funds would be sufficient to cover the scope of services needed. Critics may question the long-term sustainability of the pilot program and the potential for bureaucratic complexities that could arise during implementation. Advocates for child welfare and family support are likely to emphasize the necessity of such programs, while opponents might express skepticism regarding the efficacy of government-run initiatives in addressing these critical social issues.