STAND. COM. REP. NO. 68

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    S.B. No. 1142

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Twenty-Ninth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2017

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Housing, to which was referred S.B. No. 1142 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO HOUSING,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to:

     (1)  Authorize the issuance of general obligation bonds for rental housing, mixed-use affordable rental housing, a multi-use juvenile services and shelter center, and public housing; and

     (2)  Appropriate monies for public housing security improvements, renovation, and repair.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Judiciary of the State of Hawaii, Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation, Hawaii Public Housing Authority, Democratic Party of Hawaii, Hawaii Appleseed Center for Law and Economic Justice, Hawaii Association of REALTORS, Hawaii Habitat for Humanity, Catholic Charities Hawaii, Partners in Care, YWCA Oahu, Ali‘i Pauahi Hawaiian, Chamber of Commerce Hawaii, and four individuals.

     Your Committee finds that there is a critical shortage of affordable housing in the State.  This shortage contributes to a homelessness crisis that has an especially negative impact on Hawaii's most vulnerable residents.  Your Committee further finds that periods of homelessness can be particularly harmful to young persons, often resulting in a pattern of abuse or criminal activity.  Your Committee additionally finds that Hawaii's existing public housing units are also in need of security improvement, renovation, and repair.  This measure will provide monies for a comprehensive range of projects to improve the condition of public housing in Hawaii.

     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 S.B. No. 1142 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Housing,

________________________________

WILL ESPERO, Chair