STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1855-24

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2024

RE: S.C.R. No. 217

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2024

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Housing, to which was referred S.C.R. No. 217 entitled:

"SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION URGING THE FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY TO UTILIZE FUNDS FOR NON-CONGREGATE HOUSING FOR INFRASTRUCTURE AND DEVELOPMENT NEEDS FOR AFFORDABLE RENTAL HOUSING,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to urge the Federal Emergency Management Agency to utilize funds for non-congregate housing for infrastructure and development needs for affordable rental housing.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from one member of the Maui County Council.

Your Committee finds that as a result of the devastating August 2023 wildfires in Maui, the Federal Emergency Management Agency is currently providing housing relief aid through temporary rental assistance to eligible residents. However, your Committee notes that this assistance is set to expire in 2025. Your Committee believes that further collaboration and funding from all levels of government is needed to address the immense cost of rebuilding areas affected by the wildfires.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Housing that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of S.C.R. No. 217 and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Finance.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Housing,

____________________________

LUKE A. EVSLIN, Chair