HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0989.097 2018-2020r
CATHOLIC CHARITIES HAWAII
July 20, 2020
Mr.Aaron Chung,Chair COUNTY CLERK
Hawaii County Council COUNTY OF HAWAI°I
RECEIVED
25 Aupuni Street B
Hilo, HI 96720 Time .5:01 pot Y
Date JUL 2 0 2020
Dear Chair Chung,
This written testimony is in support of Bill 179. Bill 179 as drafted, provides for the establishment of a
framework that will align all of the construction codes, and creates the administrative processes to
promote efficiency and consistency. One example of this is the proposed establishment of a single permit
system that would replace the current multi-permit process that has demonstrated to contribute to the
challenges with expediting much needed building construction.
The economic recovery of our community and the construction of affordable housing are two critical
reasons to ensure our government policies and regulations to include our building codes are current,
applicable,and effective.The passage of Bill 179 is the first of many steps to be taken to addressing critical
needs for our community and improving government efficiency.
As proposed, Bill 179 will provide alternatives and options with housing solutions to include Appendix L,
Factory-Built Housing and Appendix Y, Tiny Homes. Given the current lack of inventory of affordable
housing and the anticipated growth of this deficit, it is imperative that we identify and employ a new
financial tier of affordable viable housing solutions to meet the diverse and expansive needs of our
residents. In particular,those households that are faced with financial constraints that limit their options
and place them at high risk for homelessness. The working poor need options that allow them to build
housing assets at an affordable cost. They need housing security which factory built and tiny homes can
offer so they will not be "stuck" renting for the rest of their lives.We can address a root issue of poverty
in Hawaii County by allowing factory built and tiny homes as viable housing alternatives—it really is that
simple.
I applaud and thank you and the County Council for your efforts to draft Bill 179 which also addresses our
affordable housing crisis and can put our community on the road to recovery.
I strongly support the passage of Bill 179 as written to include Appendix L, Factory-Built Housing and
Appendix Y,Tiny Homes.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth Naholowaa Murph
Hawaii Island Community Director
CATHOLIC CHARITIES HAWAI'I
Hawaii Island Community Office
62 Kinoole Street Hilo,HI 96720 Comm. No. y$q.97
Telephone:808-961-7051 Fax:808-961-7039
elizabeth.murph@catholiccharitieshawaii.org Ref. To: P/C0 e,{(
Ref. Date 7/22/1024