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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-03-29 Letter to Donovan M. Dela Cruz and Gilbert S. C. Keith-Agaran re HB 2281, HD 1, SD 1 and HB 2753, HD 1, SD 1 Relating to HomelessnessHarry Kim Aiqvor Wil Okabe Managing Director Barbara J. kossow 1)epuoAkmaging Director (1) ffi t 0 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 March 29, 2018 Senator Donovan M. Dela Cruz, Chair Committee on Ways and Means Hawail State Capitol, Room 211 Honolulu, HI 96813 Senator Gilbert S.C. Keith-Agaran, Vice -Chair Committee on Ways and Means Hawaii State Capitol, Room 211 Honolulu, HI 96813 Dear Chair ReIa Cruz, Vice -Chair Ke th-Agaran, and Committee Members: Re: HB 2281, HD 1, SD 1 and HB 2753, HD 1, SD 1 Relating to Homelessness Hearing Date: 04/03/2018 — 10:00 am; Conference Roo H 211 As Mayor of Hawaii County, I support HB 2281, HD 1, SD 1, and HB 2753, HD 1, SD 1 For your information, we have already piloted a mini -version of an Ohana Zone on Hawaii Island called Camp Kikaha in Kailua-Kona, and we are ready to apply the knowledge gained from running that project to a larger, designated site called Village 9 in an area across from our West Hawaii Civic Center, Village 9 has already earmarked funds for an environmental assessment and master plan process which we expect to be completed by July, 2018. We are also looking at other sites in East Hawaii for possible replication. Through Camp Kikaha, we learned: • The importance of a thorough assessment process (Assessment Center Concept), so that those coming to us are assigned to appropriate services and resources to ensure the greatest possibility of success. The one stop center for services is cost- and outcome -effective. The assessment center can also designate the right combination of people to a village site so as not to create a site heavily populated with people who would reinforce negative addictions, e.g., a site predominantly composed of Crystal Meth users might be counterproductive. (Hawail County would like to be a site for more assessment centers. HB 2281, HD 1, SD 1 is correct when it says: "This proven model (Family Assessment Centers), can be replicated on the neighbor islands as an effective way to move families with children rapidly to permanent housing. For example, on the island County of la ai`i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer March 29, 2018 Page 2 of Hawah, a large parcel of land has been set aside to develop housing solutions for homelessness in Kona, where the need for localized services is acute. ) • The value of permanent supportive housing early on, so that our clientele can develop a sense of Ohana with those with whom they live, and not have those positive relationships disrupted as they move on to higher level shelter opportunities. The supportive element requires people with true compassion for the homeless population that we serve, who provide counseling support and connection to available resources. If funds are available for an Assessment Center as well as permanent supportive housing, we would start our project utilizing shelter types that could function as emergency as well as permanent structures, are more aesthetic than tarps which have a limited lifespan, afford a level of privacy and comfort of a home -like atmosphere, can be constructed in a relatively short period of time, offer true protection from strong winds and heavy rains, do not present a fire hazard, and yet are affordableiecono ically feasible, e.g. the intershelter Domes. • Ohana Zones provide an opportunity where feasible for self -governance, which facilitates a sense of ownership, pride, honor and dignity (PhD). Our village site would also encourage self-sufficiency, and be a one stop shop for services, a possible community garden, aquaponics employment training and work opportunities (e.g. to be Uber drivers) playground for children, etc. Respectfully ubmitted, arry Kim Mayor, County of Hawaii County of I lawai" i an Equal ()pportunity Provider and Employer.