Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-06-05 Letter to Mazie Hirono re Proposed Budget, Fiscal year 2018-2019 ` X21 Wil Oka be 0r A.rf' Alan aging Director Harry Kim ;_ Mayor f . . - -;.•;.� ` Barbara J. Kossow Deputy Almtngmg Director (aunty of Iutiutti` i (Office of tilt411am 25 Aupuni Street,Suite 22603 • Hilo,Hawaii 96720 • (308)961-821 I • Fax(8081961-6553 KONA• 74-5044 Me Keohokalole Hwy,Bldg C • Kailua-Kona,Hawaii 96740 (808)323-4444 • Fax(808)3234440 June 5, 2017 Via Facsimile & U.S. Mail The Honorable Mazie K. Hirono United States Senate Washington, DC 20510 Fax: (202) 224-2126 Re: PROPOSED FEDERAL BUDGET, FISCAL YEAR 2018-19 Dear Senator Hirono: I am writing this letter to request your support for the continuation of funding for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Home Investment Partnership (HOME) programs for the FY 2018-19. Any reduction or elimination of funding for these programs would severely delay or eliminate local and state programs and projects that directly contribute to the welfare of the citizens of Hawai`i Island. These programs are an essential resource in providing funding for worthwhile community projects, services, and employment opportunities. Since 1974 the County of Hawaii has been able to address many critical community development and affordable housing needs. In addition, Hawaii County has been impacted by natural disasters such as flooring, earthquakes and lava flows, The CDBG and HOME programs have been a critical resource that directly contributed to our community's recovery and development. To that end, I strongly urge you to reject any action to eliminate or reduce these programs and to support the 3.3 billion for CDBG and L2 billion for HOME in the FY 2018-19. Thank you very much for your continued support to help the citizens of Hawaii Island. Sincerely, f - HARR IM Mayor, County of awai`i Attachments County of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer. Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) County of Hawaii In the last five years, the County of Hawai'i received and expended Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds totally $11,835,634. These funds were used throughout Hawaii County for public improvements and public services. Such projects includes the development and improvements of public facilities, street and sidewalk improvements, water and sewer improvements, senior centers and youth facilities, and the development of parks and recreational facilities, among others. CDBG funds also provided services for senior and youths, transportation and health services, employment training, services for abused and neglected household members, and services for the disabled and the elderly, among others. Other CDBG funded projects provided for housing activities, such as construction, rehabilitation, homebuyer assistance, lead-based paint testing and abatement, among others. CDBG funds were also used on the non-funded federal mandates such as the American with Disability Act to remove architectural barriers for accessibility compliance to public facilities, street and sidewalk improvements, senior centers, and the renovations of parks and recreational facilities, among others. The community has benefitted directly and indirectly from the use of CDBG funds. The beneficiaries of these project accomplishments include elderly persons, the disabled and homeless populations, at risk youths, low and moderate income persons and families, and low and moderate income areas. The reduction or elimination of CDBG funding would severely and adversely impact the many seniors, disabled, youth, homeless, abused and neglected households, among others, of the community of Hawai'i County. HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) County of Hawai'i In the last five years, the County of Hawaii received and expended HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) funds totally$6,980,500. These funds were used throughout Hawaii County for various housing activities including first-time homebuyer assistance, homeowner rehabilitation programs, the construction of rental housing,the construction of homebuyer units, senior housing, and Tenant Based Rental Assistance (TBRA), among others. The community has benefitted directly and indirectly from the use of HOME funds. The beneficiaries of these project accomplishments include the growing senior population,the disabled and homeless populations, and very low, low and moderate income persons and families, among others. The reduction or elimination of HOME funding would severely and adversely impact the development of Hawaii County's affordable housing efforts. Through the provision of the HOME program funds many seniors, disabled, youth, homeless, abused and neglected households, among others, of the community of Hawaii County can enjoy decent, safe and affordable housing.