What's Being Discussed

The Juvenile Justice State Advisory Council (JJSAC) Policy Sub-Committee is holding a one-hour meeting on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, from 1:00–2:00 PM. The main focus is reviewing and discussing five draft state House Bills related to youth services and juvenile justice:

• HB 2026-0103: Would give the Office of Youth Services (OYS) oversight of all state contracts with community-based youth residential programs.
• HB 2027-0101: Would create and fund a Youth Residential Care Oversight Board.
• HB 2027-0097: Would establish a scholarship and loan forgiveness program through the University of Hawaii for workers in youth residential services.
• HB 2027-0098: Would launch a Close to Home Hawaii Pilot Program within OYS, aimed at keeping youth closer to their communities.
• HB 2026-0108: Would create a Youth Justice Transition Special Fund within OYS to support youth transitioning out of the justice system.

Decisions Expected

• Approval of minutes from the August 12, 2026 meeting.
• Discussion of the draft House Bills — formal votes on legislation are not expected at this stage, but committee input may shape future recommendations.
• Scheduling of the next sub-committee meeting.

Who Should Pay Attention

• Parents, families, and youth involved in the juvenile justice system
• Community organizations and nonprofits that run youth residential programs
• Social workers and youth services professionals
• Educators and school counselors working with at-risk youth
• Anyone interested in juvenile justice policy reform in Hawaii

The public may attend in person at the Princess Victoria Kamamalu Building, 1010 Richards Street, Room 303, Honolulu, or online via Zoom (Meeting ID: 867 6753 2584, Passcode: 742143). Public testimony is limited to 3 minutes per person. Written testimony should be submitted at least 24 hours in advance to nmachida@dhs.hawaii.gov.