Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2002

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection and Housing, to which was referred S.C.R. No. 108 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to express the Legislature's support for the State's application for a federal grant to revitalize Kuhio Park Terrace.

The Housing and Community Development Corporation of Hawaii (HCDCH) and Building Industry Association of Hawaii testified in support of this measure.

Kuhio Park Terrace (KPT) is one of the State’s most troubled public housing projects. Built in 1965, KPT consists of six hundred fourteen units in two sixteen-story high-rise towers and fourteen low-rise buildings. HCDCH has worked with KPT residents and community stakeholders to prepare a master plan that will transform KPT into a vibrant, supportive, and sustainable community. Costs for the total revitalization effort, which includes the $12 million Ka Hale O Kameha’ikana Resource Center, total approximately $88.4 million.

In 2001, HCDCH applied for a $35 million HOPE VI grant from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to help fund the revitalization project. The application was not approved and HCDCH has reapplied for the grant. This measure declares the Legislature's support for the KPT revitalization project and urges HUD to act favorably on the State's grant application.

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 S.C.R. No. 108 and recommends its adoption.