HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0989.161 2018-2020 From: Laycie Tobosa COUNTY CLERK
Sent: Monday, August 03, 2020 6:03 AM COUNTY OF HAWAIJ
To. Council Testimony RECEIVED
Subject: I Support Bill 179 mafti By
Date AUG 0 3 2020
OWN-W
Aloha Councilmembers,
As a college educated, small business owner for the past 5 years, wife and mom, I have found myself homeless more than once in the
last nearly decade. We've moved at least S times in the last 7 years. It wasn't because I didn't have money to pay rent. It was
because there were no affordable housing options for us at the time we were in need. We have lived in Blacksands and commuted
to Hilo because that was the only option at the time. We have lived in two units, in a row,that were put on the market just a couple
weeks after moving in without prior notice to us. We have lived in tiny one bedroom units more than once because that's all that
was available. We have had to live with family at times. Our household has split and lived separately at times. We have even lived
in the shelter for a few months.
The demand for affordable housing is HUGE. One landlord I applied with said he received over TWO HUNDRED applications for his
unit! It is unacceptable and mind blowing to have these many people hoping to be chosen as tenants for this one home. If I, as an
educated individual,who is extremely resourceful and who has a stable and sufficient income, can end up homeless more than once,
can only imagine how much more difficult it is for the THOUSANDS of others that don't have these same opportunities and
resources. This is why it's important that we support Bill 179.
I
7
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.
Mahalo for your time and consideration!
Laycie Tobosa
Hilo, HI 96720
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