Hawaii Senate Bill SB609

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/17/25
• Refer: 1/23/25
• Report Pass: 2/7/25
• Refer: 2/7/25

Caption

RELATING TO THE OFFICE OF VETERANS' SERVICES.

Summary

SB609 appropriates an unspecified amount of general fund money for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 to the State Office of Veterans' Services. The funding is intended to help the office carry out its existing statutory duties under chapter 363, Hawaii Revised Statutes, including maintaining a center that provides information, counsel, aid, and assistance to veterans, their families, and dependents, and coordinating with federal agencies that administer veterans’ rights and benefits. The bill also expressly allows the office to use appropriated funds to contract with qualified entities under chapter 103D, Hawaii Revised Statutes, to carry out the act’s purposes. Although the measure is framed as an appropriation bill, it does not create new substantive veterans’ programs; instead, it supports the office’s current service and coordination functions. The bill states an effective date of July 1, 2077, which is unusually distant and may reflect a placeholder or drafting issue rather than an intended near-term implementation date.

Impact

SB609 would affect state budgeting and the operations of the Office of Veterans' Services by authorizing general fund appropriations for two fiscal years to support existing statutory responsibilities. It would not amend the core duties in chapter 363, Hawaii Revised Statutes, but it would provide funding authority for veteran assistance services, federal coordination, and possible contracting with outside entities under chapter 103D. The practical impact would be on the office, veterans, their families and dependents, and any qualified contractors engaged to deliver related services.

Sentiment

The available legislative history suggests generally favorable support for the bill. It passed the Senate Public Safety, Intergovernmental and Military Affairs Committee unanimously, 5-0, with amendments, and was reported out and passed second reading as amended before referral to the Ways and Means Committee. No committee transcripts were provided, but the vote pattern indicates broad agreement with the need to fund veterans’ services.

Contention

There is little visible contention in the available record, likely because the bill is a straightforward appropriation for an established office. The main points that could draw scrutiny are the unspecified dollar amount, the use of general revenues, the authority to contract with qualified entities, and the anomalous effective date of July 1, 2077. Any debate would likely center on funding levels, budget priorities, and whether the appropriation should be directed to in-house services or outside contractors.