Kaʻū News Briefs June 8, 2024

KAʻŪ COFFEE FESTIVAL DREW SOME 5,000 PEOPLE on Saturday, according to some of its organizers. The first since the pandemic, the festival showcased Kaʻū Coffee, its farmers and community supporters and provided a full day of entertainment and opportunity for people to present arts, crafts and foods at Pahala Community Center. See more in upcoming Kaʻū News Briefs.

    The meeting will be held on Tuesday, July 9 at 1:30 p.m. at Pāhala Community Center. People who cannot come because they work on weekdays can see the Office of Housing website to explore ways to submit their ideas and testimony regarding affordable housing. www.housing.hawaiicounty.gov.
The meeting is designed for input for the entire Ka'u District and beyond. Other meetings will be held in Hilo, Kona and Pahoa.
    The Consolidated Plan developed by County Housing serves as a blueprint to help ensure that communities receiving federal U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development assistance to address housing and related needs of low- and moderate-income families. It aims to enhance the availability and affordability of decent, safe, and sanitary housing within suitable living environments.

Rusty's Hawaiian Coffee 'ohana, with is successful business shown at Saturday's Kaʻū Coffee Festival, has one home ownership for family members  but faces, like other farmers, the affordability crisis for the next generation. Photo by Ophir Danenberg

    The County of Hawaiʻi's CP will outline the needs, priorities, funding plans, and program certification requirements over the five-year period between 2025 and 2029. Submission of the CP to HUD is required for the County of Hawaiʻi to receive its annual Community Development Block Grant and Emergency Solutions Grant allocations. Similarly, the State relies on the CP to obtain its annual HOME Investment Partnerships, Housing for Persons with AIDS, and National Housing Trust Fund allocations.
   To meet federal requirements and the County of Hawaiʻi's Citizen Participation Plan, a series of public meetings will be conducted at various locations and times on Hawaiʻi Island. These meetings offer an opportunity for engagement with diverse communities to solicit views and comments on goals and priorities related to housing, community development, and homelessness for the upcoming five years.
   "Your voice matters in shaping the future of our community. Join us in these public meetings to ensure that every perspective is heard and every need is addressed," said Housing Administrator Susan Kunz. "Together, we can build a brighter, more inclusive future for all residents of Hawaiʻi Island.
    For more information about the public meetings and the Consolidated Plan, please contact the County of Hawaiʻi Office of Housing and Community Development at (808) 961-8379.
    The County of Hawaiʻi Office of Housing and Community Development is responsible for the planning, administration, and operation of all County of Hawai'i housing programs. Its statement says, "Our Mission is to provide for the development of viable communities through decent housing, suitable living environments and expanded economic opportunities.
    More information on the Office of Housing and Community Development and its programs can be found online at www.housing.hawaiicounty.gov. To receive news alerts and OHCD's quarterly newsletter, click here. Also connect with OHCD on Facebook and Instagram

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