HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-03-25 Letter to Sylvia Luke and Ty J.K. Cullen SB 1131, SD2, HD1 Relating to Ohana Zones
County of Hawai‘i
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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 25, 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: SB 1131, SD2, HD1 Relating to Ohana Zones
Two bills dealing with Ohana Zones are still alive this legislative session. SB 1131, SD2, HD1 is the one
before you today. The other is a bill passed by the House earlier, HB 257, HD2.
SB 1131, SD2, HD1 is positive in that it broadens the scope of the Ohana Zones Pilot Program by
potentially including “private property owned by non-profit organizations.”
But HB 257, HD2 had a broader provision that would allow for partnerships on any private land, which
enhances flexibility and, therefore, is most likely to 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.
Unless there is strong reason to narrow the scope, I hope you will expand on SB 1131, HD1 by adding
the best features of HB 257, HD2. Increased flexibility would be a positive way of implementing the pilot
project and maximizing its potential for success.
Respectfully Submitted,
Harry Kim
MAYOR