HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0281.057 2020-2022 Cr , : i {
August 3, 2021
Maile David, Chair LO/j UG - NI J: 113
Hawaii County Council
Aloha,
I am writing once again to voice my support of Bill 44 and adamantly oppose the proposed
amendments as drafted by Council Member Villegas (Com.281.19 & 281.20). The bottom line is
we need affordable housing in Hawaii County and factory built housing is one of the few viable
options for MANY of us in Hawaii County myself included! In 1971, I worked for a construction
company in Colorado who installed modular homes; 50 years later, those homes are still in
existence!
As a lifelong resident of Moku Keawe and an individual who has been waiting three years an
affordable modular manufactured home built in Hawaii, I have sent correspondence to Public
Works inquiring what the holdup is on getting these homes permitted. I have previously worked
for the County Government and know"bureaucratic red tape" can be quite arduous. Thus, this
testimony to expedite production of Modular Manufactured housing built here in Hawaii available
SOON!
My desire for expediting this already frustrating process goes beyond my own motives. I am
involved with Vibrant Hawaii's Housing Coalition, Hawaii Island Housing Coalition, North Hawaii
and West Hawaii's Interfaith Committee on Ending Homelessness. I also work with Partners in
Development Foundation, helping to strengthen our families and communities for success, of
which equitable housing is crucial. In addition, as a Deacon in the Episcopal Church, my focus
is on outreach and social justice. Housing is a top priority.
Our people, including my own children, cannot afford to purchase a home let alone live in
Kohala where we were born and raised. This is due not only to our cost of living but by our
inventory, including rentals, being gobbled up by people from out of state and more recently by
WFH'ers (Work From Homers), who have the means to pay already outrageous home and
rental prices.
I personally have lived in a 16-foot trailer for the last 3 years in anticipation of a locally built
modular home. I am a "seasoned" senior in need of a better living space. I am sure there are
many others with less than perfect living conditions who could benefit from locally made
affordable modular homes!
I am hoping the availability of LOCALLY built modular homes could help in a small way alleviate
our housing need. This will also support our local building industry. I believe some contractors
may not support this. However, I feel this will in no way compete with contractor built homes
here on the Big Island. This is just my mana'o.
I have looked at other modular/factory built units outside the state but would like to support our
local industry. I believe Hawaii allows some, correct.
Mahalo for considering my testimony on my behalf and I am sure others who are without
affordable housing!
Lani Bowman, Kapaau, Hawaii
Comm. No.
2 1• 57
Ref. To: P 1(AA UI
Ref. Date AUG - 4 2021