Permanent ‘Return-to-Home Program’ for homeless persons in Hawaiʻi dies in conference committee

A bill to establish a permanent “Return-to-Home program” failed to make it out of a House and Senate conference committee on Friday as the State Legislature winds down its 2025 session.

The amended House Bill 212 would have repealed the current pilot program, which has returned more than 100 homeless people back to their home states, and instead established a permanent program with funding for continued operations.

The Institute for Human Services on Oʻahu, in partnership with the state, conducted the pilot program. A legislative finding in the bill called the program “a success,” although additional manpower is needed for it to continue.

The State Council on Mental Health submitted cautious written testimony on the bill, supporting the intent of the program but raising concerns about the possibility of further destabilizing already vulnerable people.

“While this initiative could be beneficial, its success depends on ensuring that participation remains entirely voluntary and that individuals receive adequate support at every stage — beginning with a warm handoff to their families and continuing with access to long-term treatment and recovery services in their respective destinations,” the Council said.

It put the measure in context with mental health services available in Hawaiʻi.

“Hawaiʻi’s mental health system is already operating beyond capacity,” the Council said. “The Big Island experiences an influx of individuals seeking services during the winter months, stretching providers’ ability to meet demand.”

The Council also said some individuals are experiencing their first diagnosis or initial mental health episode, and assistance in returning home could be a critical intervention.

“However, we must recognize that family reunification alone does not guarantee sustained recovery,” the Council said. “Many families face challenges in providing long-term care, and there is a need to assess how many reunions result in lasting stability versus repeated crises.”

The cost of full-time positions and operational costs for the Return-to-Home program remained undetermined in the draft bill, which left the amount of state appropriations blank for fiscal years 2026 and 2027.