HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-01-27 Letter to Russell E. Ruderman, Karl Rhoads, Clarence K. Nishihara and Glenn Wakai SB 2469, Relating to Human Services (2) Roy Takemoto
o°• Managing Director
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Harry Kim .; ,It'..j :•
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1� . Barbara J. Koslow
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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
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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.