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Si <br /> 1 <br /> a <br /> PORT OF THE <br /> I <br /> COMMITTEE ON FINANCE { <br /> i <br /> i <br /> DATE: April 19, 2022 Re: Comm. No. 7221 Bill No. 153 <br /> PLACE: Council Chambers <br /> Kailua-Kona, Hawaii <br /> TIME: 10:00 a.m. <br /> Council Chair and Members <br /> Hawaii County Council <br /> Hilo, Hawaii 96720 <br /> Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred Bill No. 153, reports as follows: <br /> Bill No. 153, transmitted by Council Members Hbleka Goro Inaba and Heather Kimball via <br /> Communication No. 722 dated March 30, 2022, initiates an amendment to Article X of the Hawaii <br /> County Charter (2020 edition), relating to the County Housing Revolving Fund. <br /> This bill proposes the addition of a new section to incorporate the revolving fund established in <br /> Section 2-74 of the Hawaii County Code into the Hawaii County Charter and dedicate on an annual <br /> basis a minimum of one percent of real property tax revenues into the County Housing Program <br /> Revolving Fund. <br /> Mr. Inaba provided the background and intent of the measure. <br /> Committee Member Susan L.K. Lee Loy expressed concern with the ambiguity surrounding the <br /> "highest and best use"wording within the measure. <br /> Per Committee Member Ashley L. Kierkiewicz's request, Finance Director Deanna S. Sako <br /> elaborated on the fiscal background of the measure, noting the difference between charter and code <br /> amendments. <br /> Housing and Community Development Administrator Susan Kunz then explained for Ms. <br /> Kierkiewicz that the key discussion within the department currently surrounds stability and the <br /> staffing capacity to support this fund. Ms. Kunz emphasized that a fluctuating fund and a lack of <br /> staffing would be a challenge. Ms. Kierkiewicz then expressed reservations, stating that this is not an <br /> issue to be placed on the voters to decide. <br /> Committee Member Herbert M. "Tim" Richards III expressed that while he likes the direct funding, <br /> he is hesitant with amending the charter and does not like that there is no cap on the fund. <br /> Committee Member Aaron S.Y. Chung stated that he has concerns with excluding residents with <br /> moderate income and that he would prefer for the measure to stay in committee for refinement. <br /> Committee Member Heather L. Kimball stated that the intent of the measure is to provide sustainable <br /> funding rather than to exclude the middle income bracket. <br /> FC Report No.: 140 <br />