A gift or a kick in the ‘okole?

LIHU‘E — State lawmakers have introduced three bills that establish a return-to-home program for eligible homeless persons, offering them a free one-way ticket to the Mainland.

Senate Bill 385 would offer the program only to willing individuals, meaning they wouldn’t be forced to fly back home. Eligible homeless persons would include those with a support system on the Mainland and who lack financial resources to travel.

Homeless persons who qualify but are on parole, probation or awaiting a court hearing or sentencing could still participate in the program, as long they obtain clearance from the court, though the bill does not explain what would happen if they return here, or if they’re even allowed to return.

Participation would be allowed only once, and travel arrangements would be through the airlines, cruise lines or charter companies.

The state would also follow up within a month to “assess efforts at successful reunification with any family or support system.”

SB 385 is scheduled to go through public hearing at the Senate Human Services Committee today at the state Capitol in Honolulu. The bill was also referred to the Senate Ways and Means Committee, but no date has been set yet.

House Bill 533 has the same language as SB 385. Both bills set July 1 as an effective date, and would prompt a monetary appropriation, not yet identified, to cover operations, including hiring staff.

HB 390 is quite similar to the other two bills. It also has July 1 as the effective date, but this bill sets Dec. 31 as the deadline for the adoption of rules to develop and implement the program.

Both House bills have been referred to the House Finance and Human Services committees, but no date has been set yet.

Visit www.capitol.hawaii.gov for more information or to provide testimony through email.

• Léo Azambuja, staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 252) or lazambuja@ thegardenisland.com.