HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-03-15 Letter to Joy A. San Buenaventura, Nadine K. Nakamura, Tom Brower and Scot Z. Matayoshi SB 471, SD2 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
March 15, 2019
Representative Joy A. San Buenaventura, Chair
Representative Nadine K. Nakamura, Vice Chair
Committee on Human Services and Homelessness
Representative Tom Brower, Chair
Representative Scot Z. Matayoshi, Vice Chair
Committee on Housing
Dear Chairs San Buenaventura and Brower, Vice Chairs Nakamura and Mayayoshi, and Committee Members:
RE: SB 471, SD2 Relating to Homelessness
Hawaiʻi County participates in Community Alliance Partners (CAP), and heavily relies on that
organization to identify pertinent bills related to homelessness that are worthy of support. CAP,
understandably, has enthusiastically endorsed the comprehensive approach in SB 471, SD2, and has asked
others to join in the effort to win passage.
Homelessness is one of my few priorities for this Session, and I know I would be preaching to the choir
if I elaborated on why this issue is so important. Rather than do that, let me simply say that I support SB 471,
SD2, and hope you will fund the programs at a level that will make a real difference for our community.
SB 471, SD2 proposes to appropriate funds to the outreach program, rapid re-housing program,
housing first program, family assessment centers, law enforcement assisted diversion program, and the
coordinated statewide homelessness initiative. It also would establish and appropriate funds for a pilot
program to provide long-term rental assistance for individuals over the age of 60 who are homeless or at
imminent risk of becoming homeless.
Funding of these essential programs is vital if we are to truly deal with homelessness in our state.
Please act favorably on SB 471, SD2.
Respectfully Submitted,
Harry Kim
MAYOR