2019-02-12 Letter to Joy A. San Buenaventura and Nadine Nakamura HB 36 Relating to Human Services

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Harry Kim Mayor County of Hawai i Office of the Mayor Wil Okabe Managing Director Barbara J. Kossow Deputy Managing Director 25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2603 • Hilo, Hawaii 96720 • (808) 961-8211 • Fax (808) 961-6553 KONA: 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy., Bldg C • Kailua-Kona, Hawai'i 96740 (808) 323-4444 • Fax (808) 323-4440 February 12, 2019 Representative Joy A. San Buenaventura, Chair Committee on Human Services and Homelessness Representative Nadine K. Nakamura, Vice Chair Committee on Human Services and Homelessness Dear Chair San Buenaventura, Vice Chair Nakamura, and Committee Members: RE: HB 36 Relating to Human Services There are so many good bills for your consideration dealing with the homeless that I am hesitant to weigh in on any one in particular. I know that the needs are great and resources limited. Nevertheless, I thought I would offer a comment on HB 36, although I would ask that you not interpret a lack of testimony on other measures as a sign of indifference or lack of support. I support HB 36, as well as any other initiative that can have a positive impact on the homeless population, make their lives a bit easier, and move them toward conventional shelter. As a neighbor island Mayor, I would ask for recognition that homelessness is a statewide problem. Since HB 36 calls for two mobile clinics, I would hope that one of the two can be earmarked for an ohana zone project on an island other than Oahu. It is my understanding that the Executive Committee of the Community Alliance Partners (CAP) is endorsing this bill but making a similar request. Respectfully Submitted, Harry Ki ' MAYOR County of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.