HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0067.049 2006-2008 Page 1 of 2
Murashige, Laura
From: Jennifer Shibuya [jlpshibuya@yahoo.com]
Sent: Friday, January 26, 2007 12:02 PM 2utJ7 J9t~ P,~? h ~ ~
To: counciltestimony@co.hawaii.hi.us -
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Subject: Testimony for Feb 2 meeting Bill 345 Opposed unless certain provisions....;~C11Ji•; i '
TESTIMONY BILL 345
JENNIFER LP SHIBUYA
My name is Jennifer Shibuya and I am testifying in opposition to Bill 345. I would support the
bill if certain provisions were in place to protect the existing residents, maintain the integrity of the
neighborhood, and also ensure a therapeutic environment for the group home residents.
My husband and I both quit our jobs and left Oahu so we could afford a home with a yazd and
live in a residential neighborhood amongst families not businesses. Provisions such as having one
treatment facility per TMK and at least 1000 feet between each center would keep the "residential"
environment for the persons undergoing treatment and still preserve a neighborhoods residential
chazacter.
One person testified at the January 19th meeting that an organization is looking to purchase four
additional properties in my neighborhood (Keaau Ag Lots) and all the properties are on the same street.
Whether or not this is true, please do not allow any residential neighborhood to become a business
district. This would seem to negate the benefit of living in a residential community to help persons
integrate back into society, while also adversely affecting the property values in a neighborhood.
I am still strongly opposed to any legislation that would allow two facilities per TMK with eight
residents per home. There is no reason sixteen unrelated people plus staff should live on one residential
property.
If such a business is allowed to exist in a neighborhood provisions should be in place to avoid
any undue burden or expense on the neighborhood's residents. I also believe that we as neighbors should
know what the home's objectives are, if their specific treatment goals are being met, and what recourse
there is if problems arise, while still preserving patient privacy. If the community is an integral part of a
person's treatment, then shouldn't residents know how they could help? Many residents feel like they
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have no control over their surroundings anymore or what happens azound their home. Please
allow people to have some control. I know numerous agencies testified about notifying the public,
gathering input, and listening to feedback regarding any proposed facilities. However our experience in
the Keaau Ag Lots has been exactly the opposite. I know that an advisory committee of different
agencies was formed to discuss Bill 345 and it's amendments. An advisory committee of concerned
residents would be welcomed and also may help foster a program's success.
I have two small children and driving to Kona for the day is not an option for me. Thank you
very much for taking the time to read my testimony. It is greatly appreciated.
Jennifer Shibuya
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1 /26/2007