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r MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL CHURCH
75-5769 Alii Drive - Kailua-Kona,Hawaii 96740
PH: (808)326-7771 - Email: stmichaelarchangel@rcchawaii.org
Website: stmichaelparishkona.org
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April 18, 2022
Hawaii County Council
CO
Committee on Finance Chair and Members:
RE: Bill 153—Approve
Bill 153 is a Charter amendment bill that appropriates one percent of the County's annual real
property tax revenues (approximately$4 million) into the housing program revolving fund. This
fund is used for the development of housing and to exercise the buy-back option running in
favor of the County and to pay for the costs of maintaining, repairing, renting, or reselling
units purchased by the County. Unfortunately, this fund currently lacks meaningful and
consistent financial support from the County. If passed by the Council,this proposed Charter
amendment would appear on the November 2022 election ballot for the public to vote on.
We all know that Hawaii County has a severe housing crisis. Now is the time to act to turn give
our individuals and families the opportunity to find housing that they can afford. At St.
Michael's we have parishioners and those who come to our door on Alii Dr. looking for hope
that they will find a safe place to live. We are a member of Community Alliance Partners
because we as Catholics are called to love our neighbor.That love includes doing everything we
can to give a hand up to those who lack shelter.
We know the frustration of our non-profits housing navigators who cannot locate safe housing
for their clients who have rental housing section 8 vouchers. It is a difficult job that causes burn-
out for those who walk with our most vulnerable community members.
Bill 153 would give our voters to opportunity to say yes to setting aside tax revenue to for the
county to use for increasing safe and affordable housing stock on our island. The Committee on
Finance will hear these items at 10 AM on Tuesday April 19th. Please vote yes on Bill 153.
Humbly,
Shirley David,
Pastoral Council Chair
Comm. No.
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