Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2006

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Housing, to which was referred H.B. No. 1852 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this bill is to develop more affordable housing by appropriating funds to acquire, through eminent domain, and purchase land in Nanakuli for a public housing project.

The Iron Workers Local Union 625 Stabilization Fund and a concerned individual testified in support of this bill. Leeward Land LLC, opposed this measure. The Housing and Community Development Corporation of Hawaii did not support this bill.

Your Committee finds that the leeward coast has continued to be an area where large numbers of homeless reside. It is also an area most often discussed when considering a new landfill site. Residents of this community have expressed feelings of their area being the "dumping ground" of the state.

Your Committee does not use the term "eminent domain" without great thought and consideration. However, it supports individuals who do not want to see another landfill in their neighborhood. Although your Committee understands the concerns of the landowner that the parcel may not be suitable for the development of a public housing project, it believes this measure is worthy of further discussion.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Housing that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1852 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to the Committee on Finance.