HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-02-07 Letter to Russell E. Ruderman SB 526 Relating to Human Services (Mobile Clinics)Harry Kim
Mayor
County of Hawaii
Office of the Mayor
Wil Okabe
Managing Director
Barbara J. Kossow
Deputy Managing Director
25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2603 • Hilo, Hawai'i 96720 • (808) 961-8211 • Fax (808) 961-6553
KONA: 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy.. Bldg C • Kailua-Kona, Hawai'i 96740
(808) 323-4444 • Fax (808) 323-4440
February 7, 2019
Senator Russell E. Ruderman, Chair
Committee on Human Services
Dear Chair Ruderman and Committee Members:
RE: SB 526 Relating to Human Services (Mobile Clinics)
There are so many good bills for your consideration dealing with the homeless that I am
hesitant to weigh in on any one in particular. I know that the needs are great and resources limited.
Nevertheless, I thought I would offer a comment on SB 526, although I would ask that you not
interpret a lack of testimony on other measures as a sign of indifference or lack of support.
I support SB 526, as well as any other initiative that can have a positive impact on the
homeless population, make their lives a bit easier, and move them toward appropriate housing.
As a neighbor island Mayor, I would ask for recognition that homelessness is a statewide
problem. Since SB 526 calls for two mobile clinics, I would hope that one of the two can be
earmarked for an ohana zone project on an island other than O`ahu. It is my understanding that the
Executive Committee of the Community Alliance Partners (CAP) is endorsing this bill and will be
making a similar request.
Sin9erely
Harry Kim
MAYOR
County of Hawai`i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.