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 Thursday, November 4, 2010 at 9:00 a.m. at the HHFDC’s Boardroom, 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.

The State anticipates receiving approximately $3,400,000 in HUD funding through the HOME, ESG and HOPWA programs in Program Year 2011-2012 for use primarily in the Counties of Hawaii, Kauai and Maui. 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.

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:
Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation
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 November 4, 2010. 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 Departmental Personnel Office at 586-2562, by email at ltengan@dbedt.hawaii.gov, or by written request by October 25, 2010. 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.