REP FC 139 2022/04/19 2020-2022 - Laserfiche WebLink

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I i f i t REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE DATE: April 19, 2022 Re: Comm. No. 721/Bill No. 152 PLACE: Council Chambers Kailua-Kona, Hawaii TIME: 10:00 a.m. Council Chair and Members Hawaii County Council Hilo, Hawaii 96720 Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred Bill No. 152, reports as follows: Bill No. 152, transmitted by Council Member Holeka Goro Inaba via Communication No. 721 dated March 30, 2022, amends Chapter 2, Article 13, Division 3, Section 2-75 of the Hawaii County Code 1983 (2016 edition, as amended), relating to the County Housing Program Revolving Fund. This bill repeals existing provisions in their entirety and establishes nine specific uses for expenditure of the funds to support the County's housing needs. Mr. Inaba provided the background and intent of the measure. Committee Member Aaron S.Y. Chung provided comments emphasizing the need to focus on the middle income bracket being priced out of the housing market. Committee Member Herbert M. "Tim" Richards III echoed Mr. Chung's concerns, stating that while he supports the intent, he is also leery about the limits that may appear. Mr. Inaba emphasized that the measure does not restrict to the lower income end, but rather spans across the board. Committee Member Ashley L. Kierkiewicz brought forth concerns with needed collaboration with the administering department and respective partners when crafting legislation to prevent unintended consequences. Housing and Community Development Administrator Susan Kunz expressed that while she was involved with previous conversations, she was not engaged with any conversations for the specific measure. Ms. Kierkiewicz additionally stated that she favors the measure staying in committee until proper legal clarification is provided. Corporation Counsel Elizabeth A. Strance provided the definition for a special fund which requires the recommendation of the Mayor. Ms. Strance cautioned the members from passing the measure without the Mayor's consent or recommendation, should they unintentionally violate the charter. Mr. Inaba emphasized that it is an existing fund that is being amended. Committee Member Susan L.K. Lee Loy expressed concern with the process, emphasizing rules against reintroducing similar or same measures in the same term should this bill fail. Committee Member Maile Medeiros David provided comments supporting the intent of the bill but with reservations about the process. FC Report No.: 139