Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2001

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection and Housing, to which was referred H.C.R. No. 71 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to recognize Island Tenants on the Rise (ITOR) for its efforts in encouraging the participation of public housing residents in the democratic process and to request that ITOR and the Housing and Community Development Corporation of Hawaii (HCDCH) establish resident associations in every public housing project.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the President of ITOR, the President of the Ho'okipa Kahalu'u Residents Association, and seven individuals. The HCDCH testified in support of the measure's intent.

Your Committee finds that the democratic process affords public housing residents the opportunity to shape the laws affecting their interests as tenants of public housing. Your Committee further finds that ITOR has been instrumental in encouraging public housing residents to participate in the democratic process by conducting voter registration drives and by urging residents to communicate with their elected officials.

This measure recognizes and commends ITOR on its efforts and requests that HCDCH continue to work with ITOR in effecting policy changes that lead to the self sufficiency and self determination of public housing residents. This measure further requests that HCDCH report to the 2002 Legislature on its efforts, in conjunction with ITOR, to establish resident associations in all public housing projects.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection and Housing that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of H.C.R. No. 71, as amended herein, and recommends its adoption in the form attached hereto as H.C.R. No. 71, S.D. 1.