HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0074.006 2024-2026GOING HOME HAWAII
RESTOR,1TIVE JUSTICE. EQUITY SAFE COMMUNITIES.
January 16, 2025
Chair & Presiding Officer Kimball and Vice Chair Onishi
25 Aupuni Street, Suite 1402
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Subject: Support for Hualalai Court Workforce Housing Project
Aloha Councilmembers,
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Hilo Office: 80 Pauahi St.,` a 287"
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Ph: (808) 491-2437 / Fax: (808) 498-0315
Kona Office: 75-5708 Alahou St., Apt 2C
Kailua-Kona, Hawai'i 96740
Ph: (808)-464-4003 / Fax: (808) 464-4288
email:les@goinghomehawaii.org
www.goinghomehawaii.org
I, Les Estrella, am testifying in strong support of Res. 51-25: Hualalai Court Affordable Workforce Housing Project.
This project will provide 104 rental housing units for community members in the 80-100% AMI range —people who work
in essential services like healthcare, education, public safety, and so much more. These are the individuals who help
keep our community running, and they often struggle to find affordable housing.
Projects like this make a big difference for organizations like Going Home Hawai'i,' allowing us to attract and keep the
professionals who serve our community. But beyond that, it helps everyone in our area. As new families move into
Hualalai Court, it opens housing options for others, creating a positive ripple effect that reaches far beyond just the
residents of the new complex.
What makes this project even more special is its long-term commitment —there's a 51-year affordability period, which
means multiple generations of local families will benefit. That kind of stability is rare, and it's exactly what we need to
address the ongoing housing challenges in our area.
I wholeheartedly support the Hualalai Court project and encourage everyone to get behind it. It's a critical step toward
ensuring our essential workers can live in the communities they serve —and ultimately, it benefits all of us
Mahalo for your consideration,
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Les Estrella
President & CEO, Going Home Hawai'i
Innovative Leadership In Reentry & Reintegration For Justice -Involved Individuals, Since 2004