Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2003

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection and Housing, to which was referred S.C.R. No. 96 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to express the Legislature's support for the Hawaii Homeownership Center.

Testimony in support of this measure was submitted by the Housing and Community Development Corporation of Hawaii, Bank of Hawaii, Homestreet Bank, and an individual.

The Hawaii Homeownership Center (Center) is a newly established nonprofit corporation whose mission is to promote and support successful home ownership in Hawaii, particularly among low-income and moderate-income families. The Center is part of a national network of home ownership centers under the auspices of the Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation. The Center will serve as a one-stop shop for prospective home buyers offering comprehensive education, counseling, access to affordable home products, and other professional services.

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. 96 and recommends its adoption.