HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-03-09 Letter to Stanley Chang and Dru Mamo Kanuha HB 2470, HD1 Relating to Housing
County of Hawai‘i
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County of Hawai‘i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.
Roy Takemoto
Managing Director
Harry Kim
Mayor
Barbara J. Kossow
Deputy Managing Director
March 9, 2020
Senator Stanley Chang, Chair
Senator Dru Mamo Kanuha, Vice Chair
Committee on Housing
Dear Chair Chang, Vice Chair Kanuha, and Committee Members:
RE: HB 2470, HD1 Relating to Housing
There is no question that affordable rental housing is needed throughout Hawaiʻi
County, and HB 2470, HD1 identifies an opportunity in Honokaa, Hawaiʻi where a 15
acre parcel is already under government control and could well be suitable for such a
project.
My understanding is that exact title to the land may be in question, but there was
no negative testimony in Finance Committee, so perhaps that issue has already been
sorted out. If not, I defer to the Hawaiʻi Public Housing Authority and HHFDC to help
this Committee further amend this bill as needed. Once that is done, I hope you can
give HB 2470 your favorable vote and move this project a step closer to realization.
Respectfully Submitted,
Harry Kim
MAYOR