HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0989.143 2018-2020 I
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From: muramotoam
e : Sunday, August 02, 2020 6:43 AM '''04`1 �L ~' I
To: Council Testimony COUNTY OF HAWAI'I
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SubJject. Support of Bill 179 RECEIVED"'lq5
Date AUG 0 2 2020
Mr.Aaron Chung,Chair
Hawaii County Council
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, HI 96720
Dear Chair Chung,
I would like to submit this letter and written testimony in support of Bill 179. i write in support because I have seen,through my years on
the Board of Habitat for Humanity.,what an impact affordable housing makes on families. I have now witnessed 2 generations elevated
from poverty,and freed from the anxiety of uncertainty,that goes with being housing insecure. PLEASE HELP KEEP HOUSING AFFORDABLE!
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.
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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.
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,
Dr.AnnMarie Muramoto
Secretary, Habitat for Humanity Hawai'I Island
Comm. . 8 ,14
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Ref. To: Plcowcil
Ref. Date
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