HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0989.004 2018-2020 PI PW MTL
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June 6,2020
Susan L. K. Lee Loy,Chair
Committee on Public Works and Mass Transit
Hawaii County Council
Dear Chair Lee Loy,
I would like to submit this letter and written testimony on behalf of the members of the Hawaii Island
Housing Coalition in support of Bill 179.
Under the guidance of Vibrant Hawai'i,a collective action initiative to reduce poverty on Hawai'i Island,
the Hawaii Island Housing Coalition was formed with a mission to engage the community and stakeholder
organizations to identify barriers with,and opportunities to address,the comprehensive housing needs of Hawaii
Island residents.
The Hawai'i Island Housing Coalition currently has a membership of over forty organizations and
individuals and is not intended to be a competing agency,but rather an umbrella organization of existing agencies.
In addition,the membership reflects island wide participation and is not limited or restricted and is hoped will
continue to grow. Each member or member organization maintains its own identity and independence yet works
collaboratively with other members and member organizations to address the many and diverse housing issues
and to eliminate unnecessary duplication of programs or initiatives.
Priorities of the Coalition include home production and preservation, land access and use,access to
capital and credit,and policy and community opportunity.
With respect to Bill 179,the Housing Coalition appreciates the efforts being made to solicit community
input and the attempt to increase visibility and transparency with the process of adopting new codes for Hawai'i
County. It is acknowledged and understood that this initial step intends to lay the foundation and framework for a
more comprehensive construction code that will include the incorporation of the amended 2012 International
Building and Residential Codes. Until such time that the new building code is adopted, Bill 179 maintains the
previously adopted 2006 International Building Code as amended and adopted by the County of Hawai'i to include
various appendices and current amendments.
Given Hawai'i Island's significant housing unit needs as published in multiple state reports, it is imperative
that the code adoption process continues to engage our community and encourage collaboration to achieve its
goal of ensuring occupant and public safety and concurrently, not impose barriers to affordable and attainable
housing solutions. The Hawaii Island Housing Coalition is committed to participating in the process and
contributing to the review,amendment,and planned adoption of the Building and Residential codes. We look
forward to working collaboratively with the Building Division and the County Council on this endeavor.
Sin rely,
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Darryl iveira,Co-Chair
Hawaii Island Housing Coalition
Comm.'Na
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