HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-02-20 Letter to Donovan M. Dela Cruz re HB 2277, HD 1 Relating to Child Welfare ServicesIlarry Kim
Mayor
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Wil Okabe
Alanaging Director
Barbara J. Kossow
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25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2603 • Hilo, Hawaii 96720 • (808) 961-8211 • Fax (808) 961-6553
KONA: 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy., Bldg C • Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740
(808) 323-4444 • Fax (808) 323-4440
February 20, 2018
Representative Sylvia Luke, Clair
Committee on Finance
Hawaii State Capitol, Room 308
Honolulu, HI 96813
Representative Ty J.K. Cullen, Vice -Chair
Committee on Finance
Hawaii State Capitol, Roo 308
Honolulu, HI 96813
Dear Chair Luke, Vice -Chair Cullen and Committee Members:
Re. HB 2277, HD 1 Rr !Ming to Child Welfare Services
Hearing Date 02/21/18 — 2:00 pm; House Conference Room 308
Thank you for 'his opportunity to testify in support of HB 2277, HD 1.
My staff and I have been made aware of the critical need to i prove child welfare services in
Hawaii County. While oath of the State's East and West Hawaii offices are suffering from a shortage of
manpower, the initiative proposed in HB 2277, HD 1 recognizes the reality that it is in East Hawaii where
the State has the best chance to hire and retain the necessary personnel.
The caseload numbers that were presented at the first hearing on this bill varied a great deal, but
it seems clear that the child welfare caseload in East Hawaii is shocking and disturbing. Child welfare
workers have so many clients :hat it would be considered unacceptable by national standards. Add to
that the handicap of being asked to cover a huge geographic area, requiring a great deal of time-
consuming travel, and i is no wonder that the community is begging for your assistance.
The positions and funding requested in HB 2277, HD 1 are for a "pilot project," and if that is
determined to be the best way to give so e relief to the East Hawaii workers and the keiki they serve,
then I defer to your wisdom on that matter. My main concern is that the workers and their clients get the
relief called for, and the sooner the better.
Thank you for your consideration.
ectful y submitted,
Wil Okabe
Managing Director,County of Hawaii
C )Linty of I IaNvai'i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer,