HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0595.117 2020-2022 Plcounb(
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Aloha Members of the Hawaii County Council i
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My name is Napahu Lilly and I'm here to testify about the workforce Housing solution as part of
Kumu Hou. I work as a security patrol officer at Mauna Lani and my partner works as an
aesthetician at Mauna Lani spa.
I have been looking for housing that works for my income level. I am feeling very discouraged
because I make almost the same salary as a firefighter cadet. I should be able to afford
something on this side of the island, but all the rentals are occupied and when rentals do
become available, they are not affordable, in fact, it's way too high.
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With gas prices so high, I avoid driving home to Hilo and have been sleeping in my truck during
my work week since early last year. On nights when it is rainy, I try to stay with friends in
Waimea and Waikoloa, but there have been times that I've had to figure out how to stay dry in
bad weather. I have many work friends who do the same.
Our hotel knows our situation and kindly provides a facility for us to shower and get ready for
our shifts. Their cafeteria also provides meals and drinks for the workforce. They have known
for a long time that workers resort to sleeping in the parking lot because of this housing crisis.
We need solutions like the affordable housing rentals of this development project for people like
me. I know others in my community are saying no to this project, but maybe they have homes
near where they work. Maybe they have more family wealth and support to live under their
protection at night.
I am speaking for those who drive from east side to the west side for work. The ones who don't
have the affluence to make it here from the start. The ones who cannot rely upon their parents
to save enough to get through this beginning part of their careers.
I am saving money while I'm sacrificing comfort and sleeping in the parking lot and I have a lot
to be proud of by doing that. I am building inner strength and character and finding solutions that
work. I am doing my part and taking care of our visitors.
I believe we need to keep our visitors in resort areas and not in our neighborhoods. I also know
that we need more solutions like what this project is proposing to get us out of the critical
housing situation we are in. I love my island and I enjoy my life and want to remain in Hawai'i
within a community close to work. And yet, the housing market is such a problem for me. We
need solutions like Kumu Hou is proposing.
Mahalo for your time.
Napahu Lilly
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