HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0850.006 2020-2022 i
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® 45-3438 Mamane Street,Building 2 I
P.O. Box 9
Aftomey at Law Honoka`a,HI 96727
(808) 775-0530
(808) 775-1040 Facsimile
barbara`e,island-law.com
COUNTYCLERK
COUNTY OF HAWAII
August 2,2022 1 % RECEIVED
VIA.EMAIL TO: c a nciftestiml( --,,I I 1 U -c .Ula Date
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Aloha,I am writing in strong support of Resolution 445-22,to renew Hope Services Hawai`i's lease at
its Kona site.
The Kona site houses the West Hawai'i Emergency Housing Program,the only permanent homeless
shelter in Kona.It also houses The Friendly Place Resource Center and the permanent supportive
housing community of Hale Kikaha.If this site were to close,the impacts on the Kona community
would be devastating. People would no longer be able to receive the food,shelter,safety or other
services that are currently provided onsite.They would not have a fixed place to work with Hope's
housing team to find permanent housing. Houseless people in need of medical services,including
mental health and substance abuse treatment,would no longer have a stable place from which to
access those services. Our houseless neighbors who are working to find employment and permanent
housing would have their progress derailed.
If operations at the Kona site were disrupted by Hawaii County's failure to renew the lease,it is very
likely people would be traumatically forced out onto the streets resulting in their health and safety
endangered.
Eliminating that facility would also exacerbate existing problems for the Kona community. Imagine
how public spaces,education,schools,businesses,and tourism would be impacted if this site were to
close. Where would the people currently receiving meals at the Friendly Place go to eat? Where
would the people go who have disabilities and acute needs who live in permanent supportive housing
at Hale Kikaha?
Hope Services has been transparent in providing documentation and answering the Council's
questions.Let's continue to work together to help more people get the help they need,and get
into permanent housing.I encourage the council to continue its partnership with Hope Services in
West Hawaii by passing Resolution 445-22 and extending the lease.
Sincerely,
}lf �
41
Barbara L.Franklin
Attorney at Law
Comm. No.
ef.To: PICWh6j
Ref. ate - X022