HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0072.010 2004-2006 U1Clln'1~C1 WC1 ef~IGfVICeJ rLnnlr/ 40 a wi sy
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P.O. Box 326, Kamuele, HI 96743
P6wx (808) 883-3941 Fax (808) 883-7831
email waiono(rDinlemac.net
January 31, 2005
Dr Holschuh
Hawaii County Council
Hilo, Hawaii
Affordable Housing Bill No. 25
Dear Dr. Holschuh
As per our phone conversation on Saturday, I am enclosing a copy of a letter I
sent to the Mayor and the Council Chairman on January 14, 2005.
I did send a copy of it on this letterhead to Councilman Pilago this weekend,
however, I would like to be sure that this letter is circulated. I have had no
response from either the Mayor or the Council Chairman.
ahalo Cy~~~~
Stephen P. Bowles
Comm. Na 7 Z'' V
Ref. Ta. ~reaede
Ref. Uare,~FR 2 900
um~ry
IS~ANd UTl~lly SERVICES, INC.
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67-1161 Mamalahoa Hwy., Ste. 5 • P.O. Box 665 • Kamuela, Hawaii 96743
PHONe (808) 885-5792 • i=nx (808) 885-7851
January 14, 2005
Mayor Harry Kim
Council Chairman Gary Safarik
Hawaii County Building
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
SUBJECT: "Affordable HOLLSIn¢" Amendments
Gentleman,
As a businessman and community member, I must state that I am opposed to adopting the
proposed affordable housing amendments at this time. My reasons are based on a genuine sense
that none of them address the most difficult objective- a truly affordable home immediately.
To the best of my knowledge, there is no plan in place which specifically identifies the locations
and cost where the added $ will be spent. These amendments are an exaction formula without a
plan or program. They appear to have an ulterior motive with very little understanding of the
negative impact the in lieu fees will generate in the market pricing of housing. I have employees
in west Hawaii who literally cannot find a place to rent that is commensurate with their income
levels.
I want you to focus on getting housing in place immediately. I believe this can happen if;
1. We identify government owned land or developer donated with infrastructure nearby
2. Government partner directly (not in lieu) with developers, large and small, who can
design /build.
3. Begin by pursuing small (10-15) non-profit and non speculative cooperative apartment or
townhouse projects near work places (north of Kailua) or in outlying communities near
minimal traffic flaw (North Kohala for example).
4. We built these as single story studio and two story 1 bedroom units (see row houses).
5. They become non-speculative income driven (beginning with single individuals in lowest
levels) with rents charged from which an equity position is built.
6. The units cannot be speculated on -they must be sold back to the cooperative at only a
normal inflation index such as Bank of Hawaii.
7. The cooperatives be self-governed with only guidance and education provided by
government/private involvement.
8. The expertise for such a program is already in existence and we know that there is a
movement on Kauai for such an impetus and that experts have been invited to educate
government on such activities.
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We have certain programs (self help, etc) in place but we have no comprehensive plan. The
solution offered now is to take $'s and prevent development. Gentleman, these are certain to
destroy the very industry that provides revenue and jobs to our economy. Such moves do not
build truly affordable homes for our children and grandchildren.
The real cause high cost housing are:
1) Lack of units
2) Govenunent involvement and regulations
3) Speculation
It should be obvious that for housing to be truly "affordable", we must remove the unneeded
costs by creating housing which eliminates speculation, reduces government involvement and
regulates only that which is necessary for health and safety, and increases available units.
Our young people in the work force need a hand and we are obligated to take real action to offer
that hand and not just feed the speculators and government.
I believe that the only immediate action we should be taking is to focus on:
1) Creating anon-speculative housing program
2) Creating a comprehensive inventory of affordable land for development
3) Placing a priority on creating a joint program between the developers and the
government.
4) Providing housing in west Hawaii for the single, starting and lower blue collar working
class. These are the primary service providers and include starting Police Officers and
wastewater workers.
Please give these thoughts a fair hearing and I will be happy to discuss them with you personally.
We are seeking true leadership from you and not just eliminating gated communities.
Aloha and Mahalo,
l
Steve ovules
Copy: Jackie Hoover HLPC
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