HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0989.158 2018-2020 i
From: Nicole Penfield
Sent: Monday, August 03, 2020 3:10 PM COUNTY CLERK
To: Council Testimony COUNTY OF HAWAIII
Subject: Bill 179 RECEIVED
Time
Date AUG 0 3 2020
Mr. Aaron Chung,Chair
Hawai'i County Council
25 Aupuni Street
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Hilo, HI 96720
Dear 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,
Nicole Penfield
Housing Grant Specialist
HOPE Services Hawaii, Inc.
HOPE Help Line: (808) 935-3050
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e've moved! Find us at: s CA-Incil
357 Waianuenue Avenue Ref. DateE 05
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Hilo, HI 96720
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