HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0348.013 2020-2022 IPC
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TESTIMONY IN SUPPORT OF RES. 179-21 COY CLERK
COUNTY OF HAWAIII
PECEIVE
FROM: Brandee Menino,CEO,Hope Services Hawaii, Inc. Time rM
DATE: Wednesday,Aug 18,2021
Dates AUG 1 7 2021
Thank you for the opportunity to testify in support of Res. 179-21,which would authorize exemptions for certain
code requirements for the Honua`ula affordable housing project in Kona. Providing such exemptions for truly
affordable housing projects would remove a barrier to the construction of homes for people who are priced out of
the housing market in Kona. Among those who are impacted, Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, children,
people with disabling conditions, and single mothers are disproportionately impacted. Additionally, the vast
majority of the people who are being priced out are long-term(20+year)residents of Hawaii.
The 2019 Hawaii Housing Plan Study estimates that our County will need an additional 13,303 housing units by
2025 to meet housing demand, and some estimates are even higher. Our housing shortage is not new, but the
increase in speculation and investment buying has led to shrinking inventory of affordable housing, and higher
rents for those who can still afford it. Our housing locators, who serve as the bridge between people overcoming
homelessness and landlords, are having doors slammed in their faces as they search for units that will accept the
people we serve. As a direct result of the lack of available units, people are spending more time in shelter, and by
extension,those waiting for shelter are spending more time on the street.
It is imperative that we invest in truly affordable housing that will remain affordable in perpetuity. Therefore, I
urge you to support Res. 179-21.
Mahalo nui for your consideration.
Sincerely, p
Brandee Menino,
Chief Executive Officer
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OFFICE EMERGENCY SHELTER EMERGENCY SHELTER PROGRAMS RESOURCE CENTER HOUSING PROGRAM
t4$ianuenue Avenue no Ululani Street n5 Kapi'olani Street 21 West Chen Street 774-5593 RINVni Place
357 74'5593 Powai Plnce
Hilo,11196720 Hilo,14I967720 Hilo,HI 1)6720 1I lo,11196720 Kailua-Kona,HI9674o Kailua-Kona,11196740
phone:(8-8)935-3050 ph...;1808!443-4717 phone:(808)933-6o53 phone:(8o8)934-8658 phone:(808)933-6062_ Phone:(808)217-5560
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931-3794 fax:(808)934-8658 fax:(808)329-6219 fax:(808)327-2171
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