Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2002

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Human Services and Housing, to which was referred H.B. No. 2072 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this bill is to assist workers who lost their jobs since September 11, 2001 with their housing needs through a $2,000,000 appropriation to be used for rent, mortgage, utility, and other expenses.

The Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women; Volunteer Legal Services Hawaii; Kauai Economic Opportunity, Incorporated; Maui Economic Opportunity; Partners In Care; Office for Social Ministry, Catholic Diocese of Honolulu; and the Affordable Housing and Homeless Alliance submitted testimony in support of this measure. The Special Assistant to the Governor for Housing, Housing and Community Development Corporation of Hawaii, Catholic Charities, and a concerned individual submitted testimony supporting the intent of this measure.

Your Committee finds that the Emergency Assistance Grant and Loan (EAGL) Fund, recently established to meet the housing needs of individuals who lost their jobs as a result of the economic downturn after September 11, 2001, has been successful in assisting hundreds of individuals. However, further assistance is needed. Additionally, agencies administering the EAGL Fund have stated that they require more administrative assistance because of the increased workload.

Your Committee further finds that it is necessary to include all needy individuals requiring assistance.

Your Committee has amended this bill by:

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Human Services and Housing that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2072, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 2072, H.D. 1, and be referred to the Committee on Finance.