HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-02-22 Letter to Sylvia Luke re HB 1244 -'Mwos p'
Wil Okabe
` , , Managing Director
Harry Kim * A '::: . ,t t• •
Mayor --"s"ir
Barbara J.Kossow
•4;• ............ Deputy Managing Director
• rt Of M�'
•
(Eountg of c .a ut`t
Offie uftile 4Ra ur
25 Aupuni Street,Suite 2603 • Hilo,Hawai`i 96720 • (808)961-8211 • Fax(808)961-6553
KONA: 74-5044 Me Keohokalole Hwy.,Bldg.C • Kailua-Kona,Hawai`i 96740
(808)323-4444 • Fax(808)323-4440
February 22, 2017
Representative Sylvia Luke
Finance Committee
Hawai'i State Capitol
Honolulu, HI 96813
Dear Chair Luke and members:
RE: HB 1244
Thank you for this opportunity to testify against HB 1244. I know the bill is well
intended, but it is unnecessary, and it is contrary to our efforts to find a way to make
housing more affordable.
Yes, I realize that Hawaii has changed and we are now in the 21st century, but
those of us who grew up in ancient times know that some of the old practices, while not
entirely compatible with modern thought, are nevertheless environmentally sound and
do not need to be discarded. As a prime example, in Hawaii County we have literally
thousands of lots on which cesspools pose absolutely no hazard of groundwater
pollution. Many of these lots may represent the best hope for current and future Hawaii
residents to live in a dwelling rather than on the street.
I have just directed my departments to do everything in their power to figure out
how to bring down the cost of housing. If we were to require septic tanks in areas
where cesspools should be acceptable, we immediately would be adding $10,000-
$20,000 to the cost of every dwelling, with no environmental benefit whatsoever.
If the Legislature wishes to offer financial incentives to install septic or other
treatment systems, by all means do so, but please do not outlaw cesspools, even if the
start date is 2050.
Respectfully submitted,
'ijill /c(.. .
Harry Kim
Mayor
County of Hawai`i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.