STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1856-24

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2024

RE: S.C.R. No. 226

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. 226 entitled:

"SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE GOVERNOR, IN COLLABORATION WITH THE COUNTY OF MAUI, TO PROVIDE A CLEAR STRATEGY FOR ADDRESSING THE SHORT AND LONG-TERM HOUSING NEEDS FOR RESIDENTS DISPLACED BY THE AUGUST 2023 MAUI WILDFIRES,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to request the Governor, in collaboration with the County of Maui, to provide a clear strategy for addressing the short- and long-term housing needs for residents displaced by the August 2023 Maui wildfires.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation and one individual.

Your Committee finds that the August 2023 Maui wildfires have resulted in significant damage to homes and properties, leaving many residents displaced and in need of immediate housing assistance. Your Committee further finds that without prompt and decisive action, the already devastating impact of the wildfires will only be compounded by the lack of adequate housing for those in need. Your Committee believes that the State, with the Governor taking the lead, must prioritize developing a clear strategy to address the short- and long-term housing needs of those 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. 226 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