HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0348.026 2020-2022 I
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MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL CHURCH
75-5769 Alii Drive Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740
.' PH: (Ro ) 326-7771 s Email: stmichae!archangel@rcchawaii.org
w y Website: stmichae) arishkona.or
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September 4, 2021
RE: Resolution 179-21 -Strongly Support
Hawaii Island County Council Members:
As you know we desperately need housing in Kona, especially for our families. The
resolution before you moves one step ahead the Honua'ula Affordable Housing Project. It is
very attractive because it proposed 112 affordable units at 60% or below the AMI. It is in
the Kealakehe area close to schools and there will be one to four bedroom units
desperately needed for families. Forty-four of the units will offer project based vouchers for
households at between 30% and 50% of the AMI. This is important because with a rental
agent that provides training and support to low income families, they have a better chance
to succeed on their own and to move up the housing ladder.
There are traffic concerns. However,these issues will be somewhat mitigated as COVID-19
becomes under control and more school bus drivers become available to the local schools
in the area. The Honua'ula Affordable Housing Project is within walking distance for older
students.
The ALICE (Asset Limited Income Constrained Employed) study fund that almost SO% of
Hawaii Island households are rent burdened, spending too much on housing. Other data
indicates 30% of our homeless are keiki.A rising number of families are sleeping in their
cars because they can't find the type of housing this project addresses. St. Michael's Church
and others are working on plans to provide a safe overnight parking in secure parking
lots for a limited number of families and individuals who do not have permanent housing.
Sleeping in even a safe location in a vehicle is still traumatic for keiki.These type of
programs are only stopgap.
Honua'ula LLC is an experienced low income developer. It is commendable that their
housing will be low income for 40 years. I urge you to approve resolution 179-21.
Mahalo nui loa,
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Shirley David, Chair
Pastoral Council
Comm. o
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Ref, bate SEP 20
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