Ka‘ū News Briefs, Saturday, July 2, 2022

Ni'ihau is represented by Lorilee Lorenzo, the color white,  and the pupu Ni'ihau shell lei. Photo by Lina Kolosov

    A statement from his office say the three bills "support the state's ongoing effort to build more affordable homes and provide families and individuals experiencing homelessness with the services they need.
    The bills are: HB2512 Relating to ʻOhana Zones. SB3048 Relating to State Funds, and HB2233 Relating to Temporary Assistance for Needy Families.
    HB2512 (Act 235) will extend the ʻOhana Zone pilot program through June 30, 2026 and provide $15 million to fund services for this fiscal year. It will also provide for some exemptions of regulations that will allow the continuation of innovative projects that began under the COVID-19 emergency proclamations. Finally, Act 235 will allow people who receive accommodations or services at the ʻOhana Zone site, to request a 90-day extension of those services.
    "Since its inception in 2018, the ʻOhana Zone pilot program has served more than 5,500 individuals across the state, and we've added 400 more beds to shelter and housing inventory. This new law will enable us to continue our forward progress through partnerships with the counties and homeless service providers," said the governor.
    SB3048 (Act 236) will allow the Hawaiʻi Housing Finance and Development Corp. (HHFDC) to transfer GO Bond proceeds from the Rental Housing Revolving Fund into the Dwelling Unit Revolving Fund. This will enable the HHFDC to develop infrastructure improvement projects as it works to expand the state's housing inventory.
    Act 236 also deposits $300 million into the Rental Housing Revolving Fund, half of which is set aside for the development of rental housing for working families and individuals who earn a moderate income. This could potentially finance up to 1700 units.
    "My administration met our initial goal of producing 10,000 affordable units by 2020, and exceeded that by 3,500 additional units. Many more are needed, and this funding will keep the momentum going," said Ige.

O'ahu is represented by Lily Dacalio, the color yellow and the ilima flower. Photo by Brenda Iokepa-Moses

    HB2233 (Act 237) gives the Department of Human Services the authority to provide a housing assistance subsidy of up to $500 per month to participants in the first-to-work program. "This bill will help prevent currently housed people from falling into homelessness. Together, these bills represent a significant investment in our communities and ensure that we are able to meet the needs of families and individuals across the state," said the governor.

KA'U RESIDENTS ARE INVITED TO MEET THE CANDIDATES RUNNING FOR ELECTION. Sponsored by Hawai'i County Democratic Party, it takes place on Monday, July 4 at Old Kona Airport Pavilion from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

    Governor candidates scheduled to meet with the public are Vicky Cayetano, Josh Green, Richard Kim  and Kai Kahele.
   U.S. Representative candidates for representing Ka'u and all of rural Hawai'i attending the event are Jill Tokuda and Patrick Branco.
  Lt. Governor candidates are Ikaika Anderson, Keith Amemiya, Sylvia Luke and Sherry Menor-McNamara plan to be there.

   The candidate running for District 3 in the state Senate to represent Ka'u into Kona, scheduled for the event, is Dru Kanuha. 

    Planning to attend are County Council candidates for Ka'u into Kona Colehour Bondera and Shane Palacat-Nelsen.
    Live Music will be by Krazy Daze. Also entertaining is the Beamer-Solomon Halau O Po'ohala.
    Dozens of Door Prizes include a 58" flat screen tv.
    There will be no potluck due to Covid. No Potluck. Bento Boxes will be available on site.

Moloka'i is represented by Mckella Akana, the color green and the kukui nut flower. Photo by Lina Kolosov

    The Democratic Grand Rally at Hilo Bandstand will be on Friday, July 22 at 5:30 p.m.