Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

Hawaii House Bill HB656

Introduced

1/21/25

Refer

1/21/25

Caption

Relating To The Office Of Veterans' Services.

Summary

HB656 appropriates $250,000 from the general revenues of the State of Hawaii for fiscal year 2025-2026 and another $250,000 for fiscal year 2026-2027 to support the Office of Veterans' Services. The funding is directed to help the office carry out its existing statutory duties under chapter 363, Hawaii Revised Statutes, including maintaining a center that provides information, counseling, aid, and assistance to veterans, their families, and dependents. The bill also supports the office’s coordination with federal agencies that administer veterans’ rights and benefits. It allows the Office of Veterans' Services to use the appropriated funds to contract with qualified entities under chapter 103D, Hawaii Revised Statutes, if needed to carry out the act. The measure is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Impact

HB656 would increase state spending by authorizing a total of $500,000 over two fiscal years for the Office of Veterans' Services. It does not create a new program or substantially amend veterans’ law, but it strengthens the office’s ability to perform duties already established in chapter 363, including direct assistance to veterans and coordination with federal benefit systems. The bill may also expand the office’s operational flexibility by permitting contracts with qualified entities for implementation.

Sentiment

The bill appears generally favorable and noncontroversial based on the available record. Its purpose is narrowly focused on funding services for veterans and their families, and there are no recorded committee transcripts or votes indicating organized opposition or debate. The measure’s framing suggests support for maintaining core veterans’ services and ensuring access to benefits assistance.

Contention

No specific points of contention are documented in the available materials. If concerns were to arise, they would likely center on the appropriated amount, the use of general fund revenues, or whether the Office of Veterans' Services should contract out any functions to outside entities. However, the record provided does not show any named opponents, amendments, or disputed policy issues.

Latest HI HB656 Activity

View All Events: HI 2025 Regular Session HB656

Companion Bills

HI SB609

Same As Relating To The Office Of Veterans' Services.

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