HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-02-19 Letter to Donovan M. Dela Cruz and Senator Gilbert S.C. Keith-Agaran SB 526, SD1 Relating to Human ServicesHarry Kim
Mayor
County of Hawai`i
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
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February 19, 2019
Senator Donovan M. Dela Cruz, Chair
Committee on Ways and Means
Senator Gilbert S.C. Keith-Agaran, Vice Chair
Committee on Ways and Means
Dear Chair Dela Cruz and Vice Chair Keith-Agaran, and Committee Members:
RE: SB 526, SD1 Relating to Human Services
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, SD1, 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 am in favor of SB 526, SD1, 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 conventional shelter.
As a neighbor island Mayor, I appreciate the recognition that homelessness is a statewide problem, and
I am pleased that one of the two mobile clinics has been earmarked for an ohana zone 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 making a similar request.) Whether that earmark should be specifically for Hawaii
County, or more generally for any neighbor island, I leave to your judgment, although we appreciate being
singled out and pledge to make good use of the clinic if we are fortunate enough to receive it.
Respectfully Submitted,
C
Harry Ki
MAYOR
County of Hawai`i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.