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Hearing: Bill 179 -in support
Date: July 21,2020
Aloha Honorable Council Chair Chung,Vice Chair Eoff, and council members:
I am submitting testimony on behalf of HOPE Services Hawai`i, a non-profit organization working to end
homelessness in our community. We strongly support Bill 179,which would be the first of many steps
to establish a comprehensive and efficient construction code, in order to encourage and facilitate
construction of affordable housing our island desperately needs.
Micro-villages like Sacred Heart Shelter, Hale Hanakahi and Ka Lamaku, have been a wonderful respite
for our community during our times of need, and we recognize and appreciate your support in these
ventures. We've seen the benefits of these villages--both for the individuals served, and for the
community at large, as people have moved off the street and into shelter. We also know that our
economy will not recover if we do not keep up with the growing needs of our people. According to the
National Low Income Housing Coalition's 2020 Out of Reach Report, the average renter in Hawai'i
County can afford to pay $763 a month for housing. When I think of the average houseless family
struggling to make ends meet in our community, I think of the 223 houseless families we served last
year, where 53% of these families were led by a single mother. With the local fair market rent for a
2-bedroom home at $1,429 a month, she's priced out! There's no denying the need to look at all options
for affordable housing in our community. In particular, we have worked with HPM on the Hale+
' modular housing units, and have discussed it with our participants, staff, and community partners,
who have shared hope about the fact that maybe one day they'll have a place of their own, and perhaps
even become homeowners.
Our client John, who found himself and his son living in their car in Kona at the onset of the pandemic,
summed up the need for shelter and housing well with his comment: "I think it is safe to say that you
folks may have very well saved my life. "
The time to change is NOW! We've been far too long tolerating our affordable housing crisis! We have
the momentum, we have the support, and we have the data. We cannot afford to keep an iron grip on
affordable housing construction any longer. Therefore, I humbly ask you to show your support for Bill
179 and provide us with the tools we need to house every single Hawaii Island `ohana.
Mahalo nui for your consideration.
Sincerely,
A d
Brandee Menino,MA
Chief Executive Officer omm.No. air.95
JOIN OUR COMMUNITY
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Partner Agency
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HOPE SERVICES HAWAII,INC. HALE MALUHIA KIHEI PUA VETERAN HOUSING FRIENDLY PLACE WEST HAWAII EMERGENCY
ADMINISTRATIVE EMERGENCY SHELTER EMERGENCY SHELTER PROGRAMS RESOURCE CENTER HOUSING PROGRAM
OFFICE 110 Ululani Street 115Ka 1`olani Street 21 West Ohea Street Pawai Place Pawai Place
357 Waianuenue Avenue P74 559374 5593
Hilo,HI 96720 Hilo,HI 96720 Hilo,HI 96720 Hilo,HI 96720 Kailua-Kona,HI 96740 KaiIua-Kona,HI 96740
phone:(8o8)443-4717 phone:(8o8)933-6053 phone:(808)934-8658 phone:(808)933-6062 phone:(808)217-5560
phone:(808)935-3050 fax:(808)934-7456 fax:(808) 0 0
fax:(8o8)935-3794 934 9 4 fax:(808)934-8658 fax:(808)329-6219 fax:(808)327-2171
BOARD OFDIRECTORS
President/Chair Vice Chair Secretary Directors Patrick Hurney EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP
Dean Au Rev.Robert.Stark,SSS Gwen DeCoito Anne Harpham Carol R.Ignacio Chief Executive Officer
Treasurer Peter Hoffman Brandee Menino
Charlene Iboshi