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<br /> Good Afternoon, <br /> <br /> I am here in support of bills 226 & 227, Lava Kuakini. Affordable housing <br /> <br /> is something that is very near & dear to me & my family. Up until last year, <br /> <br /> I had worked in the Resort industry here in Kona for over 12 years. Many of <br /> <br /> my former co-workers travel from places as far away as South Point to <br /> <br /> work. They can not afford to live in Kona. They commute for hours each <br /> day to get to work. If they were able to buy a home in Kona, they would <br /> have 2 or 3 extra hours a day to spend with their children. Other's I know <br /> live in rentals or with family members in Kona. <br /> I have also worked in Property Management in Kona and have seen first <br /> hand the need for housing. I would have families of 6 apply for studios or <br /> one bedroom apartments so they could live in Kona, closer to their work <br /> <br /> places. To give them the opportunity to own their own home is the best gift <br /> we could give them. <br /> Even my 15 year old son, along with his confirmation class has gotten <br /> involved with the low income housing situation in Hawaii. This group of 10 <br /> 14 & 15 year olds spent 6 months filming and producing a national CCHD <br /> 1 st place award winning video on low income housing in Hawaii. They also <br /> went to Oahu and helped sponsor the recently passed bill #2176 by the State <br /> Legislature aimed at helping the low income housing situation. When the <br /> youth of a community see the need of the community, you know the need is <br /> real. <br /> We desperately need Affordable Housing in Kona now. If we wait, we <br /> won't be able to afford to build it in the future. Interest rates and building <br /> costs will keep rising. This is our chance to give back to the people who <br /> work for Kona every day and make this Island the great place it is. To give <br /> them a sense of belonging and pride of ownership, a sense of worth. To give <br /> them the chance to achieve "The American Dream". <br /> I am very proud of Lava Kuakini for their vision and love of their town and <br /> its people. <br /> Thank you for your time and your support of this much needed project. <br /> caA,,. rb. 0. Id ~~~~-~e r ~ ~ ` C-t~ ~~r-2 [ G~ <br /> Ref. Tp / r~, <br /> Ref. Date ~ / ~ ~CJ 40 <br /> <br />