HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0750.005 2020-2022 w`
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May 2,2022
Matt Kaneali'i-Kleinfelder,Chair
Heather L. Kimball,Vice-Chair
Committee On Finance
County Council
County of HawaiiMw
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Dear Chair Kaneali'i-Kleinfelder,Vice-Chair Kimball,and Members of the County Council, s
I would like to submit this letter and written testimony in support of Bill 160,on behalf of the Hawaii .
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Island Housing Coalition. As proposed,Bill 160 amends CHAPTER 11 OF THE HAWAII COUNTY CODE 1983 20AIJ
EDITION,AS AMENDED), BY ADDING A NEW ARTICLE RELATING TO AFFORDABLE HOUSING PRODUCTION
FUNDING.
The Hawaii Island Housing Coalition is a stakeholder working group of the Vibrant Hawaii non-profit with
a commitment and focus on addressing our island community's housing crisis. Our membership is comprised of
representatives of various non-profit organizations,businesses,community members,and county government
representatives. Since its inception the Housing Coalition membership has been working collaboratively on
identifying not only the barriers and obstacles contributing to our housing shortage and crisis but on solutions and
opportunities to turn the tide on this mounting issue. Among our many strategies are endeavors to:
• Increase Home Production and Preservation
• Support Land Use Policy that Promotes Equity and Affordability
• Support the Development of Vacant Parcels Tied to Infrastructure
As proposed, Bill 160 will establish Housing Production Funding to help facilitate programs that support
the production of affordable housing. The funds will be appropriated to the Office of Housing and Community
Development and at a minimum of$5,000,000 annually. Any remaining balance at the end of the fiscal year would
be designated for this purpose. The passage of Bill 160 will provide financial sustainability of critical and essential
affordable housing initiatives and help to address the fundamental shelter needs of members of our community.
I would like to also take this opportunity to thank the members of the County Council and,those who
authored Bills 152, 153,and 160. These bills,although differing in implementation share a common theme of
establishing dedicated and sustainable funding in support of housing development in our community. The
development of these measures demonstrates the Council's acknowledgement and appreciation of our growing
housing crisis on Hawai'i Island and a commitment to identify and develop strategies to combat this mounting
problem.
Thank you for the opportunity to provided testimony in support of Bill 160 and on behalf of the Hawaii
Island Housing Coalition,I strongly encourage your support and passage of this measure.
Sincerely,
Darryl Oliveira,Co-Chair
Hawaii Island Housing Coalition
Comm. No.
Ref. To• IFO --
200 Kanoelehua Avenue, PMB 366 ( Nilo, Hawaii 96720 Ref. Date MAY 3 2022