REP HSEDC 006 05/04/2010 2008-2010

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REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DATE: May 4, 2009 RE: Comm. No 795 (Res.332 -10) PLACE: Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort and Spa 78 -128 Ehukai Street Kailua -Kona, Hawaii TIME: 3:30 PM Your Committee on Human Services and Economic Development to which was referred Resolution 332 -10 reports as follows: Resolution 332 -10 transmitted by Council Member Emily Naeole- Beason, via Communication 795, dated April 22, 2010 authorizing the Office of Housing and Community Development to transfer twenty four housing units located in Kawaihae to Council District 5 to be used as transitional housing. Testimony was heard from two people in favor of the resolution. Chair Naeole- Beason relinquished the chair to Vice Chair Dominic Yagong to be able to participate in the discussion. Council Member Naeole- Beason stated that this resolution was the first step in creating a transitional housing project in Council District 5 to help answer one of the homeless challenges in that district. She pointed out that it would be more feasible to move and renovate the housing units as oppose to tearing them down. She also spoke on the support received from the Office of Housing and Community Development in moving forward with this project. She concluded by stating that she would use volunteers to do a lot of the prep work needed and use money from the Puna Geothermal account to pay for the move and installation of the units. Council Member Brenda Ford asked if the other Departments (i.e. Planning, Environmental Management, Public Works, and Parks and Recreation) that would need to be involved had been contacted. Council Member Naeole- Beason stated that she is in the process of doing so. Council Member Yagong also recommended that a resolution to give the Mayor authority to utilize County land should be done as soon as possible. The rest of the committee responded favorably to the resolution giving their support for the resolutions intent. HSEDC REPORT NO. 6