HomeMy WebLinkAboutBuack, Sally
Subject: Testimony in Opposition to Hawaiʻi County Council Bill 192 to continue funding
or expand the Homelessness and Housing Fund
To: Hawaiʻi County Council, Committee on Finance
From: \[Your Name\]
Hearing Date: September 15, 2026 at 3:00 PM
Re: BILL 192, AMENDS CHAPTER 19, ARTICLE 11, SECTION 19-90 OF THE
HAWAIʻI COUNTY CODE 1983, RELATING TO REAL PROPERTY TAX
Position: Oppose
Aloha Chair and Members of the Finance Committee,
My name is Sally Buack, and I am submitting testimony strongly opposing County of
Hawaiʻi Bill 192 to continue funding or expand the Homelessness and Housing Fund in
its current form.
I am an Employee of Kuleana Mortgage at 4 Kamehameha Ave, and I have witnessed
firsthand the impact of our county’s homelessness crisis. While I appreciate the
Council’s intent to address this complex issue, I have serious concerns about the
Homelessness and Housing Fund's effectiveness, transparency, and oversight.
Use this section to describe your direct experience with homelessness. For example:
• “As a business owner in Hilo, I have had to clean and sanitize my storefront before
opening because of the mess left behind by homeless individuals.”
• “I have observed that despite millions of dollars spent, the visible homelessness in my
neighborhood has not improved; there are more homeless people than ever.”
• “I have witnessed violence and disregard for the law between multiple homeless
individuals and have had to call the police to intervene.”
• “There is a lack of regulations and accountability at these long-term housing facilities.”
• “As a user of the public bus, I have experienced the frequent use of the bus for
homeless people and have experienced them in less than desirable physical condition
and hygiene as well as sleeping in the bus.”
Based on this experience and the available public information, I urge you to consider
the following points:
1. Lack of Demonstrated Efficacy and Accountability
• The Council has acknowledged concerns about whether the $33.5 million awarded
since 2022 is producing visible results. Council members have raised questions
about funds being used in ways not aligned with contracts. Without clear,
measurable outcomes, I do not believe the county can justify continued funding.
2. The Urgent Need for a Third-Party Audit and Report Before Further Funding
• The Council has requested a performance audit to evaluate the program’s
compliance, effectiveness, and alignment with its Strategic Roadmap. It would be
fiscally irresponsible to commit more public funds before this audit is complete. We
must have an accurate account of the actual number of individuals and families
being served and whether the money is being spent wisely before we continue to
ask taxpayers to continue to shoulder the bill.
3. The Program’s Sunset Provides an Opportunity to Rebuild or Evolve
• The fund is scheduled to sunset in 2027. Rather than simply renewing or extending
it, this is the time to use the audit’s findings to completely redesign or evolve the
program. The focus should be on setting specific, outcome-based service
requirements for grantees and ensuring strict adherence to those contracts.
I respectfully urge the Council to pause any additional funding and await the results of
the independent audit and third-party report before deciding on the future of this fund.
Mahalo for your time and consideration,
Sally Buack
Kuleana Mortgage
4 Kamehameha Ave, Hilo 96720