HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0690.014 2004-2006
Good Afternoon,
I am here in support of bills 226 & 227, Lava Kuakini. Affordable housing
is something that is very near & dear to me & my family. Up until last year,
I had worked in the Resort industry here in Kona for over 12 years. Many of
my former co-workers travel from places as far away as South Point to
work. They can not afford to live in Kona. They commute for hours each
day to get to work. If they were able to buy a home in Kona, they would
have 2 or 3 extra hours a day to spend with their children. Other's I know
live in rentals or with family members in Kona.
I have also worked in Property Management in Kona and have seen first
hand the need for housing. I would have families of 6 apply for studios or
one bedroom apartments so they could live in Kona, closer to their work
places. To give them the opportunity to own their own home is the best gift
we could give them.
Even my 15 year old son, along with his confirmation class has gotten
involved with the low income housing situation in Hawaii. This group of 10
14 & 15 year olds spent 6 months filming and producing a national CCHD
1 st place award winning video on low income housing in Hawaii. They also
went to Oahu and helped sponsor the recently passed bill #2176 by the State
Legislature aimed at helping the low income housing situation. When the
youth of a community see the need of the community, you know the need is
real.
We desperately need Affordable Housing in Kona now. If we wait, we
won't be able to afford to build it in the future. Interest rates and building
costs will keep rising. This is our chance to give back to the people who
work for Kona every day and make this Island the great place it is. To give
them a sense of belonging and pride of ownership, a sense of worth. To give
them the chance to achieve "The American Dream".
I am very proud of Lava Kuakini for their vision and love of their town and
its people.
Thank you for your time and your support of this much needed project.
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