COM 0948.002 2022-2024 - Laserfiche WebLink

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I would like to extend a warm mahalo to my fellow Council Members — Holeka Inaba, Jennifer Kagiwada, and Sue Lee Loy — for their service on the Chapter 11 Ad Hoc Committee, as well as to the Office of Housing & Community Development, the Planning Department, and our Council Offices for their support throughout this significant undertaking. Addressing housing needs on Hawaii Island requires extensive collaboration, and each participant has brought invaluable insights to this effort. Recognizing the critical importance of addressing housing, this Ad Hoc committed substantial time to meetings, research, discussion, and deliberation. Our approach was thoughtful and comprehensive, involving insights from County agencies, the developer community, and other key stakeholders. Good policy is guided by real -world experiences and the needs of those it ultimately serves, and we believe these recommendations capture the complexity and urgency of Hawaii Island's housing challenges. To ensure longevity, clarity, and consistency of Chapter 11 provisions, we recommend implementing clear administrative rules. Doing so will provide developers, County officials, and the public with a cohesive framework, supporting both transparency and ease of application. As we move forward, we recommend continuing this essential work through a new Ad Hoc Committee. Maintaining momentum and building upon the strong foundation of stakeholder engagement and trust are critical. An ongoing Ad Hoc provides an opportunity to explore in greater depth, support policy development, and advance programs that effectively respond to the housing crisis. It has been my honor to lead this effort as Chair of the Chapter 11 Ad Hoc Committee. We offer these recommendations for your consideration and look forward to the ongoing collaborative work needed to make a meaningful impact on housing for Hawaii Island. AK/ak 7