STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1824

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                  

 

RE:    GOV. MSG. NO. 556

 

 

 

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2021

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Housing, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 556, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of: 

 

Board of Directors of the Hawai'i Public Housing Authority

 

G.M. No. 556

GEORGE DEMELLO,

for a term to expire 06-30-2024,

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     Your Committee reviewed the personal history, resume, and statement submitted by George DeMello for service on the board of directors of the Hawaii Public Housing Authority (HPHA).

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of George DeMello from HPHA. 

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. DeMello's background, experience, and dedication to public service qualify him for appointment to the Board of Directors for HPHA.  Mr. DeMello has an extensive work history in the retail and service industries.  The HPHA board benefits when its members come from a variety of different backgrounds and life experiences.  Additionally, Mr. DeMello has served on the HPHA board for the past five years as well as serving many years on the HPHA's Resident Advisory Board.  Mr. DeMello's appointment would continue to give public housing tenants a voice on the HPHA.  In these roles, Mr. DeMello has repeatedly demonstrated his commitment to the work that HPHA performs and his contributions have been invaluable.  Your Committee notes that as a result of his previous service, Mr. DeMello has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of board members.  Your Committee therefore recommends that George DeMello be appointed to the board of directors of the HPHA based on his knowledge, professional experience, and commitment to furthering HPHA's mission.

 

     Finally, your Committee takes this opportunity to note its dissatisfaction with the worsening housing shortage in Hawaii.  The State is obligated to "[e]ffectively accommodate the housing needs of Hawaii's people" under the Hawaii State Planning Act, section 226-19(b)(1), Hawaii Revised Statutes.  Despite this statutory obligation, and despite its mission to "provide Hawai‘i residents with affordable housing and shelter without discrimination," HPHA has not articulated a plan to provide sufficient affordable housing in Hawaii to meet the demand and reverse the population exodus from the State.  While your Committee feels that Mr. DeMello is well-qualified and your Committee fully supports his appointment, it is imperative for the HPHA board to understand the urgency of the ongoing housing crisis.  Your Committee expects to see progress from the state housing agencies, particularly HPHA, on providing sufficient affordable housing to the people of Hawaii and expects future nominees for board vacancies to come equipped with plans to remedy the housing crisis in the State.

 

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Housing that is attached to this report, your Committee, after full consideration of the background, experience, and qualifications of the nominee, has found the nominee to be qualified for the position to which nominated and recommends that the Senate advise and consent to the nomination.

 

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

 

 

 

____________________________

STANLEY CHANG, Chair