Checkoff box on tax forms would aid human services

By Gordon Y. K. Pang
Advertiser Capitol Bureau

Future state tax forms could include the option of donating $5 of any refund to health and human services programs.

A checkoff box would allow taxpayers to "designate" the $5 toward agencies that deal with domestic violence and child abuse. One third of all contributions would go to the Hawai'i Children's Trust Fund, which goes to programs aimed at preventing child abuse and neglect through the nonprofit Hawai'i Community Foundation. The remaining two-thirds would be divided among the Department of Health's domestic violence prevention special fund, spouse and child abuse special accounts of the Department of Human Services and the Judiciary.

A bill making the donation possible is expected to move out of the House-Senate conference committee at the Legislature tomorrow morning. The measure, House Bill 1860, was introduced by the Legislature's Keiki Caucus.

House Human Services Chairman Michael Kahikina, D-44th (Nanakuli, Honokai Hale) said that lawmakers wanted to provide some recognition that fiscal constraints have reduced financial support for spousal and child abuse programs. Several years ago, the Legislature passed a law allowing taxpayers to donate $2 of their refunds to a fund dedicated to repair and maintenance of public schools.