House Committee on Housing (HSG) - chair: Rida T.R. Cabanilla, vice chair: Justin H. Woodson

Monday, January 28, 2013, 8:45 A..M.. Conference Room 328

Testifier: Shelly Tamang, LWV Legislative Committee Member

Click here to view HB560

Chair Cabanilla, Vice-Chair Woodson, and Committee Members: The League of Women Voters of Hawaii supports Bill 560 which authorizes the Hawaii housing finance and development corporation and the Hawaii community development authority to develop programs to issue development credits to projects that incorporate urban gardening programs. Community gardens contribute to the quality of urban life and enhance the environment through beautification. Urban gardening provides this added value to a community, not through an expense to the city or the county, but through the effort of the community members who are doing the work to upkeep and maintain the garden. Urban gardens provide educational opportunities for youth who might not otherwise be exposed to agriculture and may provide a recreational pastime for the elderly, while offering healthy nutrition options for all. We urge you to pass this bill. Thank you for the opportunity to submit testimony.