HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0074.011 2024-2026RM
December 16, 2024
Hawai'i YIMBY (Yes In My Backyard) is a volunteer -led grassroots advocacy organization
dedicated to supporting bold and effective solutions for HawaiTs housing crisis.
hawaiiyimby.org
RE: SUPPORT for Hualalai Court - 364 Hualalai St. Hilo, HI
Aloha,
Hawaii YIMBY would like to express strong support for Hualalai Court - 364 Hualalai St.
Hilo HI. This project would add 104, two- and three -bedroom, homes for households
earning 80-100% AMI. Building homes for families that fall into these income brackets
will greatly help with retaining a vibrant and diverse workforce, which is desperately
needed in Hilo and across the state. According to a recent Holomua Collective survey of
1,500 local residents':
66% of respondents cited housing -related costs as the top impact on their cost
of living.
• 70% responded "yes" (26%) or "unsure" (44%) when asked if they believe that they
will need to leave Hawaii to live in a less expensive state; and
• 46% of respondents said that their timeline to leave Hawaii would be within five
years or less.
It is abundantly clear that we are losing our local workforce because too many families
cannot find homes that they can afford. These 104 homes would help address our
state-wide housing shortage and stave off the outmigration of our families and loss of
critical workforce. The central location of the project is located with easy access to jobs,
schools, shopping and recreation and would promote more sustainable transportation
methods like walking, biking and public transportation.
Hawai'i Affordability Survey - Holomua Collective - https:Hholomuacollective.org/survey
1
Hawai'i YIMBY is an advocacy organization dedicated to working to advance bold and
effective solutions for Hawai'i's devastating housing crisis. Our members are deeply
concerned about Hovvui'i'schronic and worsening housing shortage.
Huvvoi'i'shousing shortage has caused home pricestDrise much faster than incomes and
pushes thousands OfkamO\jinoout tothe mainland orinto homelessness every single
year. These effects fall disproportionately onour low-income and Native Hawaiian
communities, denying them access tOopportunity and stability. Now isthe time fotake
action to address our housing shortage, and increase access to affordable, equitable and
sustainable homes. This project isanirnp0rtantstepinthatdine[tiOn.Tbmether,vveoon
build a better Hilo where our communities can thrive.
Damien Waikoloa
Chapter Lead, Hawai'i YIMBY
Chapter Lead, Hawai'i YIMBY
Ax`K Hawai'i YIM BY (Yes In My Backyard) is a volunteer -led grassroots advocacy organization
IMBYdedicated to supporting bold and effective solutions for HawaiTs housing crisis.