HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommunication No. 2024-24 LATE TESTIMONY Mark Anthony ClementeHAWAII REGIONAL COUNCIL OF
CARPENTERS
ST A TE HEADQUARTERS & BUSINESS OFFICES
OAHU: 1311 Houghtailing Street, Honolulu Hawaii 96817-2712 • Ph. (808) 847-5761 Fax (808) 440-9188
HILO OFFICE: 525 Kilauea Avenue, Room 205, Hilo, Hawaii 96720-3050 • Ph. (808) 935-8575 Fax (808) 935-8576 KONA OFFICE: 75-126 Lunapule Road, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740-2106 • Ph. (808) 329-7355 Fax (808) 326-9376 MAUI OFFICE: 330 Hookahi Street, Wailuku, Maui 96793-1449 • Ph. (808) 242-6891 Fax (808) 242-5961 KAUAI OFFICE: Kuhio Medical Ctr Bldg., 3-3295 Kuhio Hwy, Suite 201, Lihue, Kauai 96766-1040 • Ph. (808) 245-8511 Fax (808) 245-8911
October 9, 2024
TO: Hāmākua Community Development Plan Action Committee
FROM: Mark Anthony Clemente Government Relations Hawaii Regional Council of Carpenters
SUBJECT: Final Draft General Plan 2045
On behalf of the Hawaii Regional Council of Carpenters, I am writing to express our strong support for
initiatives aimed at revitalizing the community of Hāmākua through local job creation and sustainable
development.
Hāmākua faces unique challenges, including a pressing need for infrastructure improvements and a lack
of accessible job opportunities. Many residents are seeking better prospects elsewhere, leading to a loss of
skilled labor and community cohesion. Notably, while rural communities across the country may have
larger percentages of affordable housing, the North Hilo- Hāmākua Coast Villages and North Kohala have
some of the lowest percentages of affordable housing in our state. This disparity highlights the urgent
need for targeted efforts to increase housing availability and affordability in these areas.
As one of the few organizations advocating for affordable housing, we recognize that ensuring access to
safe and affordable homes is critical for the future of our community. It is essential that we support our
local high school graduates by creating job opportunities that pay a living wage. When young people can
secure good jobs in their own community, it enables them to stay, thrive, and contribute to Hāmākua’s
growth.
Investing in the development of infrastructure in Hāmākua —such as roads, public facilities, and
utilities—will help create a more resilient community. We urge that projects awarded to contractors
prioritize hiring local skilled craftspeople, ensuring that our neighbors benefit from the work being done
in their own backyards. This investment not only supports the local economy but also fosters pride and
ownership among residents.
Furthermore, we strongly advocate for all projects on county lands to be covered under HRS § 104, which
ensures prevailing wages. Living wages are essential for attracting and retaining skilled tradespeople,
ultimately leading to higher-quality workmanship and improved project outcomes. By adhering to these
standards, we can ensure that the work being done in Hāmākua is of the highest caliber, contributing to a
stronger and more sustainable community.
Communication No. 2024-24 Late Testimony rec'd 10/9/24 7:33am