HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0989.147 2018-2020 From: Linda Jeffrey COUNTY CLERK
Sent: Tuesday, August 04, 2020 10:46 AIS COUNTY OF HAWAI'I
To: Council Testimony RECEIVED
Subject: Bill 179 °
Date
Mr. Aaron Chung, Chair Hawai'i County Council 25 Aupuni Street Hilo, HI 96720 Dear Chair Chung,
i
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 improvin-g 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
Linda Jeffrey
®
0
00Sq.l
n '
® Date. v� z�