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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0158.047 2024-2026June 2, 2025 n c© Hawai I County Council Members 25 Aupuni Street, Suite 1402 I —G Hilo, Hawaii 96720 UJ -t Subject: Support for Amendments to Bill #31, Draft 3 Operating Budget Memo 1&2 DM. .� :*.::u Aloha Hawaii County Council Chair and Honorable Council Members, , I am writing to express my strong support for the Amendments to Bill #31, Draft 3, Operating Budget Memo 1 & 2. These amendments are critical to advancing the well-being of Hawaii Island residents by investing in two of our most urgent and persistent challenges: food security and affordable housing. The inclusion of dedicated funding for food security programs will provide essential support to the most vulnerable members of our community—kupuna, keiki, families living in poverty, and individuals experiencing homelessness. According to the Hawaii Foodbank, nearly 1 in 6 residents in Hawaii experiences food insecurity, and this number is even higher on Hawaii Island where rural geography and limited access to grocery stores further compound the issue. We must ensure that residents are not forced to choose between food and other basic needs. Equally important is the reinstatement of the Affordable Housing Production Fund. Hawaii County currently faces a housing deficit of over 10,000 affordable units, and the lack of attainable housing continues to displace local families, increase homelessness, and contribute to economic instability. This fund will be a powerful tool to accelerate the development of critically needed housing. These amendments come at a time when Federal funding for critical safety net programs is uncertain and potentially diminishing. As local stewards of our communities, it is vital that we act decisively to protect and uplift our residents by ensuring they have access to the most basic human rights: shelter and food. Thank you for your continued leadership and for considering these vital amendments to Bill #31, Draft 3, Memo 1 & 2. Please feel free to contact me directly should you have any questions or require additional information. Mahalo for the opportunity to testify and for your commitment to a more resilient and equitable Hawaii Island. Patrick F. Hurney Director of Housing Development HOPE Services Hawaii, Inc. 808-785-3978 (cell) phurney@hopeserviceshawaii.org COME]. Ref. To: Ref. Date —_ ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Directors EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP 357 Waianuenue Avenue President Secretary Dean Au Chief Executive Officer Hilo, HI 96720 Peter Hoffmann Rev. Robert Stark, SSS David Kurohara Brandee Menino Phone: (808) 935-3050 Vice -President Treasurer Renee Rivera Fax: (808) 935-3794 Charlene lboshi Michael Stimson Laurie Higashi