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2008 LEGISLATIVE ISSUES:
Based on reports from our community partner, Catholic Charities, below is a recap of the issues we were working on during the 2008 legislative session.
- $6 Million for the Kaloko project on the Big Island - This amount has been reduced to $l,454,000. (to replace the current transitional housing program that must close 6/09).
- $10 Million for an urban shelter in Honolulu - All funding has been deleted.
- $4.3 Million for homeless services funding (outreach, emergency and transitional housing program ongoing operational funds) The amount has been reduced to either $3 million or $3.1 million. Senate President Hanabusa wanted to take out the funding for operations for the Villages of Maili because she said Leeward residents still have concerns about Villages.
- Extend the Sunset date to 2013 for the allocation of 50% of the conveyance tax to the Rental Housing Trust Fund - Not sure at this time.
- $15 Million one time allocation to the Rental Housing Trust Fund - Not sure right now.
- $12 Million for renovations to Public Housing projects - $10 million has been approved for support of Statewide public housing renovations and an additional $6,410,000 has been approved for elevator improvements and non routine repair and maintenance improvements.
- Support HB 2238: to mandate that when Public Housing projects are sold, these will remain affordable in perpetuity. We must maintain our inventory of these projects for the residents of Hawaii. - Not sure at this time.
Other Issues:
TANF FUNDS: If there is a reduction of TANF funds available for homeless services (e.g. Next Step is being paid with TANF funds this year, I believe), what will the impact be on ongoing providers? On new projects soon to be opened?-
We will not know the impact of the reduction, since it will be up to the Director of Human Services to decide which projects will be reduced in TANF funding.
GIA Funding: any impacts on homeless funds? - Although there were 20+ GIA requests this year in the homeless arena, only Kaloko survived with minimal funding. As a Branch, Koloko was the only project we supported because of the impact on the homeless in Kona with Kawaihae slated to close in July 2009.
Visit our community partner: Catholic Charities Hawaii
Catholic Charities Hawai‘i (CCH) has been serving Hawai‘i for almost 60 years. Since 1947, its mission remains the same, to serve people in need, especially the poor and vulnerable, regardless of their faith. As statewide social services agency and the fourth largest nonprofit organization in the State, CCH’s role in the community is a safety-net for over 25,000 individuals and families annually. Our 38 programs address many social and behavioral challenges such as homelessness; children’s issues including abuse, neglect, emotional and behavioral problems; adult violence and abuse; unplanned pregnancy, difficulties encountered by immigrants and refugees, and sustaining independent living for seniors and persons with developmental disabilities.
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Legislature
