HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0750.009 2020-2022 P
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RESORT ASSOCIATION
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May 13, 2022
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Matt Kanealii-Kleinfelder, Chair tets
Heather Kimball,Vice Chair p
Committee on Finance
Hawaii County Council
Hawaii County Building
25 Aupuni Street, Hilo, HI 96720
RE:Support for Bill 160—funding for Office of Housing and Community Development's affordable housing programs
Dear Chair Kanealii-Kleinfelder,Vice Chair Kimball and Members of the Hawaii County Council Finance Committee,
The Kohala Coast Resort Association (KCRA) is in support of Bill 160, providing annual funding of$5 million to the
Office of Housing and Community Development to expand affordable housing for our island.
The KCRA has been a staunch supporter of affordable workforce housing projects throughout Hawaii Island.We serve
on Vibrant Hawaii's Housing Coalition, and have also supported the Planning Department's efforts to amend zoning
and building codes to find creative solutions to address our affordable housing needs.
KCRA members employ 5,000 people,supporting 20,000 Hawaii Island residents at their hotels,timeshares,
restaurants, retail outlets,golf courses and spas.Additionally, in 2022, KCRA members will pay an estimated $60
million in state and county TAT,and$40 million in state and county GET. Further in 2020 KCRA members, and the
residents within our resorts, paid more than$73 million in property taxes to Hawaii County, one fourth of total
collections.
Affordable housing is an essential component to keep all sectors of our economy moving. Mahalo for your support of
this important initiative.
Sincerely,
Stephanie Donoho
Administrative Director, Kohala Coast Resort Association
Comm. No. i`JO.vt
Ref. To: PI C!
Ref. Date AY 1 7 2022