NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
(for consultation on housing needs)

Pursuant to 24 CFR Part 91, notice is hereby given that the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation (HHFDC), Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, State of Hawaii, will prepare an Annual Action Plan (AAP), as part of the Consolidated Plan (CP) process. In preparation of this AAP, the State will consult with local governments and residents at a public hearing to be held on Monday, October 29, 2012 at 9:00 a.m. at the HHFDC’s Board Room, 677 Queen Street, Suite 300, Honolulu, Hawaii.

The CP’s purpose 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, HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME), Emergency Shelter Grant (ESG), and Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) programs. These HUD programs provide funding to expand the supply of affordable housing for low- and moderate-income families, restrict increases in homelessness, and provide preventative programs and activities for the homeless in the State.

The State anticipates receiving approximately $3,000,000 in HOME funds in Program Year 2013-2014 (PY2013). In accordance with HHFDC’s allocation policy, the County of Kauai is scheduled to receive the PY2013 HOME allocation to meet its affordable rental housing and homeownership objectives. The State anticipates receiving approximately $500,000 in funding for the ESG and HOPWA programs, which will be for use primarily in the Counties of Hawaii, Kauai and Maui.

Copies of an informational packet describing the HOME, ESG and HOPWA programs are available for public viewing at regional libraries and on the HHFDC’s website at http://hawaii.gov/dbedt/hhfdc. Copies may also be picked up at the agencies listed below between the hours of 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. To receive a copy by mail, interested persons may call Medy Esmena at 587-0634.

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

Department of Human Services, Homeless Programs
Benefits, Employment and Support Services Division
820 Mililani Street, Suite 606, Honolulu, Oahu

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

Please make five copies of written testimony available to the presiding officer at the hearing. Written comments may be submitted to HHFDC, 677 Queen Street, Suite 300, Honolulu, Hawaii, 96813, or faxed from the Neighbor Islands to (808) 587-0600 by 4:30 p.m. on October 29, 2012. All comments and testimony received will be considered in preparing the final State 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 the HHFDC’s Personnel Office at 587-0610, by email at steven.s.sung@hawaii.gov, by fax at 587-0600, or by written request by October 18, 2012. Prompt requests help to ensure the availability of appropriate accommodations.

The 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 infection.

Karen Seddon, Executive Director
Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation
Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism
State of Hawaii