HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-01-23 Testimony of Harry Kim before WAM and Finance Committees
Testimony of the
County of Hawai'i
Harry Kim, Mayor
25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2603
Hilo, Hawai'i 96720
Tel: (808)961-8211; Fax: (808)961-6553
Before a joint hearing of the
Senate Ways and Means Committee
and
House Finance Committee
January 23, 2017
Unfortunately the County of Hawai'i, by percentage, has the highest
number of people in poverty and homeless. As families who are
homeless and have children that qualify for free meals and
transportation close due poverty. For example, district of Ka’u, over
92% of all the schools are of the federal poverty line. District of Puna –
the most populated district on the island of Hawai'i; the fastest growing
district in the State of Hawai'i – all public school students receive free
meals. All schools are over the 75% level of students that meet the
federal level of poverty.
Bear in mind, and adding to the difficulty of the people of those
districts:
Majority of the people in the Ka’u district are without running
water.
Over 20,000 of the people in the Puna District are without County
water.
Both districts are located away from job sites which add to the
problems and costs of employment. With these problems it is
easy to understand that our highest priority is to aid in ways
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County government of Hawai'i can lessen the cost and burden to
the people.
Priorities:
1. No increase of taxes.
2. Provide government services when possible. Free bus rides -
regardless of distance. Free rides to all was established in 2000,
but was changed to $2.00 in 2012.
3. Water stations in all districts that provide free water in a safe,
clean and accessible areas.
Priority Issues:
Any increase in the TAT will help in the balancing of a highly
scrutinized budget.
A reasonable implementation of the increase of the ERS
contribution by the County.
Review of the cuts imposed spread over 5-8 years on the hospital
system (HHSC) for Hawai'i Island to prevent further cuts to the
care of Hawai'i’s people.
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