HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0074.047 2024-2026 P/Council
Res.51-25
January 28, 2025 CO1 4.14
Hawaii Council Members
25 Aupuni Street, Suite 1402
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Subject: Support for Res. 51-25, Hualalai Court Workforce Housing Project
72
Aloha Council Members, 5
Thank you for your approval to move Resolution 51-25 for Hualalai Court Affordable Workforce Housing
through committee. We appreciate your commitment to finding affordable housing solutions within our
community.
I am writing in support of Res.51-25 to build 104 affordable apartments in Hilo.
I work for Habitat for Humanity and have firsthand contact with those in need of this housing project. We
currently have 957 families on our contact list waiting for a home offering. Most of these families fall in the
30%to 80%AMI and are in need of affordable housing because they pay more than 30% of their gross income
for housing, are in overcrowded situations because of the financial need to share living space and/or are
currently houseless because of the lack of available affordable housing.
I also assisted with the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP). Many of the families I encountered were.
paying more than 30% off their gross household income for their rentals. We also received inquiries for
assistance from homeless families requesting assistance with security deposits for new rentals. Many of these
homeless families had 2 working adults and school-age children, yet they still had to live in their cars and/or
rely on shelters because they could not find an affordable rental.
We all see the cars that park at Ane Keohokalole Highway in Kona and other places in Hilo. We then see those
same cars heading to public restrooms and showers in the morning to get themselves ready for work and the
kids ready for school.
In summary,these 104 affordable apartments could possibly help 104 families of the 957 on Habitat for
Humanity's contact list. It's a good start.
Mahalo for your time,
ovl,w I.71-2,IA
Signature
Jane Mireles
Family Services Manager
Habitat for Humanity Hawaii Island, Inc.
Email: iane.mireles@habitathawaiiisland.org
Ref. Dube EB ® 5 2025