HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0589.028 2020-2022 P/cound 6
COMM-589
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Sent: Tuesday, February 22, 2022 10:14 AM
To: Dr. Hannah Preston-Pita
Cc: Council Testimony
Subject: RE:Testimony in support of Bill 111
CDE
From: Dr. Hannah Preston-Pita
Sent:Tuesday, February 22, 2022 10:11 AM
To: Council Remote Testimony
Cc: Dr. Hannah Preston-Pita
Subject:Testimony in support of Bill 111
My name is Hannah Preston-Pita and I am the Chief Executive Officer of the Big Island Substance Abuse Council. I am writing in
support of Bill 111, which would appropriate at least 75% of the property tax revenue that is currently collected from second
homes valued over $2 million. I have worked as the CEO of BISAC for over 11 years. I have seen firsthand the struggles that
individuals in their addiction are faced with which include being homeless. Our program helps individuals who are struggling
with substance use and mental health issues whereas being homeless is a symptom of being homeless and or being homeless
exacerbates drug use and mental health issues. We work very closely with partners who provide the needed wraparound
services that are outside of the scope of our services. These services play an integral part in our clients' continued
sobriety. These programs are proven successful. In order, for these programs to provide integral services they must be
funded. We share the same clients and so I know how important funding is to our community. Let's keep our programs well
resourced. I attest my support for Bill 111, so that we can make housing and wraparound services accessible to our most
vulnerable island residents.
Hannah Preston-Pita, Ps y,D. Eck, D., CSAC, NCTTP
Chief Executive Officer
16-17q Metekahiwa Street
Xeaau, .TI 96749
(808) ,969-99,94 ext. 827
www.6isac.or t
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