HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0989.134 2018-2020 i
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From: Sandra Baker
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Sent: Monday, August 03, 2020 3:31 PMCOUNTY CLERK
: Council Testimony COUNTY OF HAWAIII
Subject: Bill 179 RECEIVED
Time .5*pm By V
Date AUG 0 3 .2020
Mr. Aaron Chung, Chair
Hawai'i County Council
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, HI 96720
®ear Chair Chung,
I would like to submit this letter and written testimony 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. Both of these appendices demonstrate
a recognition of, and appreciation for progressive options to our island's housing crisis and the need to
provide our residents with attainable housing solutions. 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 multitude
of 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.
I commend and thank you and the entire County Council for your efforts with improving our
government processes that will also address our affordable housing crisis and put our community on the
road to recovery.
I support and strongly encourage the passage of Bill 179 as written to include all proposed appendices
and look forward to participation and community engagement in the adoption of the Building and
Residential Codes.
Sincerely,
Sandra Baker
Honomu, HI 96728
Comm. No.. q89.
: PIC"611
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® Date 8/0512=