HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-02-26 Letter to Sylvia Luke and Ty J.K. Cullen HB 257, HD1 and HB 1451, HD2 Relating to Homelessness
County of Hawai‘i
Office of the Mayor
25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2603 Hilo, Hawai‘i 96720 (808) 961-8211 Fax (808) 961-6553
KONA: 74-5044 Ane Keohokālole Hwy., Bldg C Kailua-Kona, Hawai‘i 96740
(808) 323-4444 Fax (808) 323-4440
County of Hawai‘i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.
Wil Okabe
Managing Director
Harry Kim
Mayor
Barbara J. Kossow
Deputy Managing Director
February 26, 2019
Representative Sylvia Luke, Chair
Representative Ty J.K. Cullen, Vice Chair
Committee on Finance
Dear Chair Luke, Vice Chair Cullen, and Committee Members:
RE: HB 257, HD1 and HB 1451, HD2 Relating to Homelessness
The County of Hawaiʻi fully supports HB 257, HD1, and HB 1451, HD2, since each would
extend the three- year pilot projects dealing with homelessness by an extra year. HB 257, HD1 is the
better bill because it has the added provision that would broaden the scope of the Ohana Zones Pilot
Program by allowing for partnerships on private land. This added flexibility is critical, and likely would
provide an opportunity to expedite the construction of appropriate housing for individuals experiencing
homelessness.
The Sacred Hearts and Hale Iki emergency housing projects on the Island of Hawaiʻi are a
direct result of two separate government and private sector partnerships that led to the creation of
thirty temporary housing solutions for survivors of the recent Kilauea eruptions.
Hawaiʻi County asks that you vote “Yes” on HB 257, HD1, and HB 1451, HD2, but we urge that
authorization of partnerships utilizing private land be included in whatever vehicle is forwarded to the
full House for action. The added flexibility would be a positive way of implementing the pilot project
and maximizing its potential for success.
Respectfully Submitted,
Harry Kim
MAYOR