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JIarry Kim <br />A 1 ayor <br />utiN <br />Offirr of tip <br />25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2603 • Hilo, Hawaii 96720 • (808) 961-8211 • Fax (808) 961-6553 <br />KONA: 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy., Bldg C • Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740 <br />(808) 323-4444 • Fax (808) 323-4440 <br />r <br />Wil Okabe <br />Ilanaging Director <br />Barbara J. Kossow <br />Deputy Alunaging Director <br />March 12, 2018 <br />Honorable Sylvia Luke, Chair <br />Flawal`i State Capitol, Room 306 <br />Honolulu, HI 96813 <br />Honorable Kyle T. Yamashita, Chair <br />Hawaii State Capitol, Room 422 <br />Honolulu, HI 96813 <br />Dear Chair Luke and Representative Yamashita: <br />Just a short note to thank you for meeting with my aide, Andy Levin, and a special <br />thanks for including CIP funding for the homeless in the House version of the budget. <br />Homelessness has been identified as a top priority for State and County lawmakers for <br />several years, but any real solution has escaped us. Some statistics indicate that the number of <br />homeless is down a bit, but we know that the problem remains with us. <br />You have seen the broad scope of the problem and are providing for a meaningful <br />allocation of funds to the counties, enabling us to partner with you in dealing with this issue. We <br />are very grateful for that. <br />We know that we cannot really help people unless we take a comprehensive approach <br />that addresses the issues of health, mental health, drug addiction, affordable housing, and <br />more. Operating funds as well as CIP will be needed as we move forward. However, what a <br />great effort you are initiating with the commitment reflected in your budget! In return, we commit <br />that, if the appropriation survives the entire legislative process and the funds are released by the <br />Governor, we will use those monies wisely and justify the faith in the counties that you have <br />shown. <br />We will use our usual means to encourage the Senate to accept the House position on <br />this funding, but if there are any special efforts you would like us to take to acknowledge our <br />Representatives who supported the House budget, please let us know. <br />Very truly yours, <br />Harry Kim <br />Mayor, County of Hawali <br />County of Hawai`i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer, <br />