2018-02-26 Letter to Sylvia Luke and Ty J.K. Cullen re HB 2014, HD 1 Relating to Homelessness

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airy Kim Mayor Wil Okabe M maging Director Barbara J. Kossow Deputy Managing Director ffirr of tip 25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2603 • Hilo, Hawail 96720 • (808) 961-8211 0 Fax (808) 961-6553 KONA: 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy., Bidg C • Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740 (808) 323-4444 • Fax (808) 323-4440 February 26, 2018 Representative Sylvia Luke, Chair Committee on Finance Hawaii State Capitol, Room 308 Honolulu, HI 96813 Representative Ty J.K. Cullen, Vice -Chair Committee on Finance Hawaii State Capitol, Room 308 Honolulu, Hi 96813 Dear Chair Luke, Vice -Chair Cullen and Committee Members: HB 2014, HD 1 Relating to Homelessness Hearing Date: 02/27/18 — 12:00 pm; House Conference Room 308 1 would like to thank you for scheduling HB 2014, HD 1, and hope that you can give it favorable consideration. HB 2014, HD 1 provides a logical, evidenced -based statewide plan to address homelessness. This bill: • Recognizes the Housing First priority of placing the most chronically homeless and vulnerable individuals and families into permanent, supportive housing as soon as possible, utilizing an effective coordinated entry system. • Recognizes the fact that we do not have enough permanent supportive housing to meet the need, and that we will not meet this need unless we utilize alternative housing types that make permanent supportive housing affordable and available in much shorter periods of time than currently is the case. • Takes a bold holistic approach that addresses the homeless crisis statewide rather than being County/area specific. • Recognizes the fact that villages with proper compassionate and caring leadership, self -governance, and boundaries will promote a sense of Ohana, ownership, pride, hope and dignity. We think these are the necessary elements for a healthy and thriving community. County of Hawai'i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.