Hawaii State Legislature

“ Hawaii's automobile dealers have cut fifteen per cent of their workforce, and that percentage could double in the future. Financial uncertainty has led to fewer visitor arrivals and lower hotel occupancy rates, resulting in layoffs and reductions in employee hours. Furthermore, recent forecasts show that the situation will worsen with a continued decline in employment, personal income, and visitor arrivals, as well as rising inflation. Difficult economic times and declining tax revenues have resulted in budget cuts for all state services. ”

“ Section 29 There is appropriated out of the emergency and budget reserve fund of the State of Hawaii the sum of $1,000,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2010-2011 for the general assistance program under section 346-71, Hawaii Revised Statutes, to restore the general assistance benefit amount to $450 per person per month or as close to $450 per person per month as possible, given the monthly caseload. The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of human services for the purposes of this Act. ”

“ Additionally, the governor has discontinued funding for the Hawaii children's health care program, which may leave an estimated one thousand five hundred gap group children without access to affordable health care. The current and impending situation jeopardizes the safety net of basic human services, health, and education needs for Hawaii's residents and families. While all of Hawaii's residents will be affected by the situation, gap group families and families closest to the poverty line will suffer the most. ”