2018-02-02 Letter to John Mizuno and Tom Brower re HB 2461 relating to Homelessness

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Harry kim Mayor Cr.,ounfv. of Paivail Wil Okabe Managing Director Barbara J. Kossow Deputy Managing Director Mffirr of fir Alavor 25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2603 • Hilo, Hawai'i 96720 • (808) 961-8211 • Fax (808) 961-6553 KONA: 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy., Bldg C • Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740 (808) 323-4444 • Fax (808) 323-4440 February 2, 2018 Representative John Mizuno, Chair House Committee on Health and Human Services Hawaii State Capitol, Room 329 Honolulu, HI 96813 Representative Tom Brower, Chair House Committee on Housing Hawaii State Capitol, Room 329 Honolulu, HI 96813 Dear Chair Mizuno and Brower, and Committee Members: Re: HB 2461 relating to Homelessness Hearing Date: 02/02/18 — 11:35 am; House Conference Room 329 As Mayor of Hawaii County, I strongly support HB 2461 which would provide $2/ million in much-needed funds for our proposed Homeless Villages and Assessment Centers for West and East Hawai'i. We have learned tremendously from our experience with Camp Kikaha in Kona, where we provided an alternative site for the homeless, who had been squatting at our Old Airport Park. Our plan now is to develop a larger site on approximately 15 acres, referred to as Village 9 in Kealakehe. It will utilize the following: • The evidenced based success of the current Kaka'ako Family Assessment Center, connecting people with services based on need through a one-stop center; • The village concept, creating a sense of belonging and of `ohana among the people living on our site; • Utilization of alternative shelter types that can serve as emergency shelters, as well as permanent housing. • Self-sufficiency for our homeless population is our goal. Once Village 9 opens, the County plans to implement a second assessment center/village in the Hilo/East Hawai'i area. County of Hawaiiis an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.