2018-03-27 Letter to Brian T. Taniguchi and Donovan M. Dela Cruz re HB 2014, HD 2, SD 1 Relating to Homelessness

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Harry Kim Aiapor (Ermutil of ;111.g:flail Wil Okabe Managing Director Barbara J. Kossow Deputy Alanaging Director ffirr uffIr aur 25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2603 • Hilo, Hawaii 96720 • (808) 961-8211 • Fax (808) 961-6553 KONA: 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy., Bldg 0 • Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740 (808) 323-4444 • Fax (808) 323-4440 March 27, 2018 Senator Brian T. Taniguchi, Chair Committee on Judiciary Hawaii State Capitol, Room 211 Honolulu, HI 96813 Senator Donovan M. Dela Cruz, Chair Committee on Ways and Means Hawaii State Capitol, Room 211 Honolulu, 1 96813 Dear Chair Taniguchi and Dela Cruz, and Comrnittee Members: Re: HB 2014, HD 2, SD 1 Relating to Homelessness Hearing Date: 03-29-18 — 10:30 am; Conference Room 211 HB 2014, HD 2, SD 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 v Inerable 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 Flawai`i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.