HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-03-18 Letter to Joy A. San Buenaventura and Nadine K. Nakamura SB 526, SD2 Relating to Human Services
County of Hawai‘i
Office of the Mayor
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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 18, 2019
Representative Joy A. San Buenaventura, Chair
Representative Nadine K. Nakamura, Vice Chair
Committee on Committee On Human Services and Homelessness
Dear Chair San Buenaventura, Vice Chair Nakamura, and Committee Members:
RE: SB 526, SD2 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, SD2, 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, SD2, 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 in this bill has been earmarked for an island other than Oʻahu.
(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 Hawaiʻi 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,
Harry Kim
MAYOR