NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
(for consultation on housing needs)

Pursuant to 24 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91, notice is hereby given that the State of Hawaii (State); Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism; Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation (HHFDC), will prepare a five-year Consolidated Plan (CP) covering Program Years (PY) 2025 through 2029 (PY2025-PY2029 and an Annual Action Plan (AAP) for PY2025, as a part of the consolidated planning process. In preparation for this CP and AAP, HHFDC will consult with local governments and residents at public hearings in each county. In the County of Hawaii, HHFDC will conduct virtual and in-person hearings jointly with the County Office of Housing and Community Development (OHCD) as follows:

Virtual Public Hearing:
Thursday, August 22, 2024 at 1:00 p.m.

Connectivity information on attending the virtual public hearing via Zoom:
Join on your computer or mobile app: See Notice of Public Hearing on
HHFDC’s website at www.dbedt.hawaii.gov/hhfdc
To register, visit https://tinyurl.com/3nkxzyw5
Or call in (audio only): +1 669-254-5252, Meeting ID: 161 117 4414,
Passcode: 513319

In-Person Public Hearing:
Thursday, August 29, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. at OHCD, Existing Housing Conference Room; 1990 Kinoole Street, Suite 104; Hilo, Hawaii

The purpose of the CP is to ensure that jurisdictions receiving federal assistance plan for the housing and related needs of low- and moderate-income families in a way that improves the availability and affordability of decent, safe, and sanitary housing in suitable living environments. To receive funding under certain U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) programs, the State must have a housing strategy that has been approved by HUD.

The AAP describes the State’s funding plans for the coming program year and certifies program compliance with the CP and the HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME), National Housing Trust Fund (HTF), and Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) programs.

For PY2025, the State anticipates receiving approximately $3,000,000 in HOME funds, for use primarily in the counties of Hawaii, Kauai, and Maui. Approximately $3,000,000 is anticipated to be received under the HTF program, and approximately $1,000,000 is anticipated to be received under the HOPWA program, which may be used in any of the counties. These HUD programs provide funding to expand the supply of affordable housing for low- and moderate-income families, reduce homelessness, and provide preventative programs and activities for homeless individuals and families in the State.

An informational packet describing the HOME, HTF, and HOPWA programs is posted on HHFDC’s website at http://hawaii.gov/dbedt/hhfdc and available for public viewing at the following public libraries: Hilo, Hawaii Island; Lihue, Kauai; Kahului, Maui; and Kaimuki and Kaneohe, Oahu. Additionally, copies are available at the Hawaii State Library Documents Center and the University of Hawaii at Manoa Library Serials Department on Oahu. A copy may also be picked up at the agencies listed below between the hours of 7:45 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. from Monday through Friday (except for State holidays).

AGENCIES:
HHFDC; 677 Queen Street, Suite 300; Honolulu, Oahu

To receive an informational packet by mail, interested persons may call
(808) 587-0577; neighbor island residents may call toll free, extension 70577:

From Kauai: (808) 274-3141 From Maui: (808) 984-2400
From Molokai/Lanai: 1-800-468-4644 From Hawaii: (808) 974-4000

Interested persons are invited to attend the hearings and state their views, orally or in writing, related to the housing needs to be considered in developing the CP and AAP.

Those who provide written testimony are asked to make five copies available to the presiding officer at the hearing. Written testimony may also be submitted via email to hhfdc.consolidatedplan@hawaii.gov; by U.S. mail to HHFDC, 677 Queen Street, Suite 300, Honolulu, Hawaii, 96813; or by fax to (808) 587-0600 by the 4:30 p.m. deadline on the day of the hearing. Comments and testimony received by the deadline will be considered in preparing the final AAP.

If access or communication assistance and/or services (e.g., large print, taped materials, sign language interpreter, or translator) are required to participate in this public hearing, please contact HHFDC’s Human Resources Office at (808) 587-0501, by email at hhfdchr@hawaii.gov, by fax at (808) 587-0600, or by written request at least 10 business days before the hearing. Prompt requests help to ensure the availability of appropriate accommodations. Upon request, this notice is available in alternate/accessible formats.

HHFDC does not discriminate against any person because of race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity or expression), sexual orientation, disability, familial status, ancestry, age, marital status, or HIV status.

Dean Minakami, HHFDC Executive Director
(WHT1461262 7/19/24)