2020-01-27 Letter to Russell E. Ruderman, Karl Rhoads, Clarence K. Nishihara and Glenn Wakai SB 2469, Relating to Human Services (2)

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Roy Takemoto o°• Managing Director • "`v^ Harry Kim .; ,It'..j :• layor •• •i _ �� 1� . Barbara J. Koslow •-or'N40 .• Deputy Managing Director County of Hawaii Office of the Mayor 25 Aupuni Street,Suite 2603 • Hilo, Hawaii 96720 • (808)961-8211 • Fax(808)961-6553 KONA: 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy., Bldg C • Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740 (808)323-4444 • Fax(808)323-4440 January 27, 2020 Senator Russell E. Ruderman, Chair Senator Karl Rhoads, Vice Chair Committee on Human Services Senator Clarence K. Nishihara, Chair Senator Glenn Wakai, Vice Chair Committee on Public Safety, Intergovernmental and Military Affairs Dear Chairs Ruderman and Nishihara, Vice Chairs Rhoads and Wakai, and Committee Members: RE: SB 2469, Relating to Human Services I support SB 2469, as well as any other initiative that can have a positive impact on the homeless population, make their lives a bit easier, and move them toward conventional shelter. As a neighbor island Mayor, I appreciate the recognition that homelessness is a statewide problem. A year ago, when testifying on HB 36 and SB 526, I noted that the bills called for two mobile clinics, and that I hoped that one of the two could be earmarked for an `ohana zone project on an island other than O`ahu. (It was my understanding that the Executive Committee of the Community Alliance Partners (CAP) was endorsing those bills while making a similar request.) I now cannot help but notice that SB 2469 specifies that one of the mobile clinics would have to be assigned to Hawaii County. I thank the sponsors for this recognition of our efforts in dealing with the homeless, and I certainly believe that our geography, and our number of homeless, justify such a designation, but I also would understand if your Committees leave it to DHS to pick the neighbor island that could most benefit from having such a clinic. In any event, I ask for a favorable vote on SB 2469. Respectfully Submitted, Harry Kirrisi MAYOR County of Hawai`i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.