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 329

Testifier: Shelly Tamang, LWV Legislative Committee Member

Click here to view SB521

Chair Cabanilla, Vice-Chair Woodson, and Committee Members: The League of Women Voters of Hawaii supports HB 521 which authorizes the issuance of general obligation bonds and the appropriation of funds for deposit into the rental housing trust fund to finance affordable rental housing development. Increasing the inventory of low-income housing in Hawaii is a great challenge, but not an unobtainable goal. High-impact solutions require concentrated effort. The gap between steadily increasing market rents and the price that low and moderate income families can afford to pay is a public concern, particularly since these vulnerable populations are becoming more likely to become homeless. Affordable rental housing must be a community priority, therefore, We urge you to pass this bill. Thank you for the opportunity to submit testimony.