2019-02-19 Letter to Donovan M. Dela Cruz and Senator Gilbert S.C. Keith-Agaran SB 526, SD1 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, Hawai'i 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 19, 2019 Senator Donovan M. Dela Cruz, Chair Committee on Ways and Means Senator Gilbert S.C. Keith-Agaran, Vice Chair Committee on Ways and Means Dear Chair Dela Cruz and Vice Chair Keith-Agaran, and Committee Members: RE: SB 526, SD1 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 SB 526, SD1, 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 am in favor of SB 526, SD1, 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 appreciate the recognition that homelessness is a statewide problem, and I am pleased that one of the two mobile clinics has been earmarked for an ohana zone on an island other than O`ahu. (It is my understanding that the Executive Committee of the Community Alliance Partners (CAP) is endorsing this bill and making a similar request.) Whether that earmark should be specifically for Hawaii County, or more generally for any neighbor island, I leave to your judgment, although we appreciate being singled out and pledge to make good use of the clinic if we are fortunate enough to receive it. Respectfully Submitted, C Harry Ki MAYOR County of Hawai`i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.