HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP FC 139 2022/04/19 2020-2022 I
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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
FC-139 Page 2 April 19,2022
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Per Committee Member Rebecca Villegas' request, Ms. Stance clarified that more conversations
with the Mayor and other necessary departments are needed.
Committee Chair Matt Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder provided comments in support of the measure, stating
that it is the authority of the council members to amend.
Committee Member Heather L. Kimball emphasized the need for affordable housing and provided
the intent to expand the County's housing tools.
Your Committee on Finance is in accord with the purpose and intent of Bill No. 152, and
recommends its passage on first reading.
arc
AYES NOES ABS EX Respectfully submitted,
CHUNG X
DAVID x COMMITTEE ON FINANCE
INABA X
KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER X
KIERKIEWICZ X
KIMBALL X MATT KANE• INFELDER, CHAIR
LEE LOY X
RICHARDS X ti
1 PORT NO.: 139
VILLEGAS X ADOPTED: WW 0 4 2022