YOUR URGENT TESTIMONY IN SUPPORT OF THE FOLLOWING BILLS IS REQUESTED
HB883: RELATING TO EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
Currently our State of Hawaii Emergency Management Agency (HI-EMA) lacks a comprehensive list of all our facilities capable of being used for shelter or refuge during a storm, as well as the categories of hurricanes they can withstand. This measure would require the agency to create a publicly accessible list of shelters statewide that presently are largely compiled at the county level. Further, we lack a designated shelter retrofit program director, despite the demand for shelter space likely being far higher than the supply. This bill would create this position and fund the program to fortify our current shelters and facilitate the construction of new shelters.

If you would like to see this measure be passed out of the House Committee on Public Safety for future consideration, you can use the following text as a template for your testimony or submit your own.

"I am in strong support of HB883 ([link removed]) because it will require our state to better prepare for disasters. Failure to prepare is preparing to fail, and we must do all we can to make sure we are ready for the next severe weather event.

Shelters not only benefit the individuals they serve, but also contribute to the overall health and safety of our community. It is important to me and my family to have a publicly accessible list of shelters and information about the category hurricane they can withstand. It is also crucial we continue to expand our shelter supply and further fortify those we already have.

I thank the committee for hearing this bill and urge its passage by considering the profound impact a better funded and managed emergency shelter program can have on the lives of our most vulnerable citizens."

Testimony is highly encouraged to be submitted by Tuesday, January 28^th at 9 AM (24 hours prior to the hearing).

HB883 ([link removed]) will be heard by the House Committee on Public Safety on Wednesday, January 29^th beginning at 9 AM. The full agenda can be found here: Hearing PBS 01-29-25. ([link removed])
Review the Bill & Submit Your Testimony Here! ([link removed])
HB286: RELATING TO THE INDIVIDUAL HOUSING ACCOUNT PROGRAM

HB286 ([link removed]) Purpose and Goal: The Individual Housing Account Program allows first-time homebuyers to deduct a specified amount from their gross income to save for and purchase a home. Currently, the annual contribution limit is $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for couples. This bill proposes to raise these limits to $20,000 for individuals and $40,000 for couples. The lifetime maximum deduction limit is also raised from $25,000 to $200,000.

In essence, HB286 ([link removed]) aims to better support first-time homebuyers in Hawaii by offering tax incentives for saving for homeownership, adjusting the contribution and deduction limits to align with current housing costs, and making the process more accessible and beneficial to individuals and couples trying to buy their first home.
Review the Bill & Submit Your Testimony Here! ([link removed])
WAYS TO TESTIFY

To ensure your voice is heard, you can submit testimony in three ways:
* Written Testimony: Submit your testimony 24 hours prior to the hearing, the discretion of the committee chair will determine the acceptance of late submissions.
* Testify Remotely: You can register online to receive a Zoom link for the hearing and participate remotely on the day of the hearing.
* In-Person Testimony: Attend the hearing at the Hawaii State Capitol.

Your testimony is crucial in shaping the discourse on this legislation.
STEPS ON HOW TO TESTIFY
* Go to [link removed]
* Login or Sign Up for an Account
* Click "Submit Testimony" or hover over "Participate" and select "Submit Testimony" from the dropdown menu
* Enter the bill number and click "Continue"
* Fill out the required fields and add written testimony by attaching a file or typing your testimony in the box provided.
* Review & Submit!

Need further guidance on submitting testimony?
Click the link ([link removed]) below to watch an easy instructional video!
Learn How to Submit Testimony! ([link removed])

Representative David Alcos
House District 41 ([link removed])
'Ewa Beach, Ocean Pointe, and Barbers Point


Room: 324
Phone: 808-586-6080
Fax: 808-586-6081
[email protected] (mailto:[email protected])

Representative Diamond Garcia
House District 42 ([link removed])
Varona Village, Ewa, Kapolei, and Fernandez Village


Room: 303
Phone: 808-586-8500
Fax: 808-586-8504
[email protected] (mailto:[email protected])

Representative Lauren Matsumoto
House District 38 ([link removed])
Mililani and Mililani Mauka


Room: 302
Phone: 808-586-9490
Fax: 808-586-9496
[email protected] (mailto:[email protected])

Representative Chris L. Muraoka
House District ([link removed]) 45 ([link removed])
Waianae and Makaha


Room: 313
Phone: 808-586-8460
Fax: 808-586-8464
[email protected] (mailto:[email protected])

Representative Elijah Pierick
House District 39 ([link removed])
Royal Kunia, Village Park, Honouliuli, Hoopili and Waipahu


Room: 318
Phone: 808-586-8490
Fax: 808-586-8494
[email protected] (mailto:[email protected])

Representative Julie Reyes Oda
House District ([link removed]) 40 ([link removed])
'Ewa Beach


Room: 310
Phone: 808-586-9730
Fax: 808-586-9738
[email protected] (mailto:[email protected])

Representative Garner M. Shimizu
House District ([link removed]) 32 ([link removed])
Ft. Shafter, Moanalua, Red Hill, AMR, Foster Village, Stadium, parts of Aliamanu, Halawa, Aiea, and Pearlridge


Room: 305
Phone: 808-586-8470
Fax: 808-586-9476
[email protected] (mailto:[email protected])

Representative Kanani Souza
House District ([link removed]) 43 ([link removed])
Kapolei and Makakilo


Room: 330
Phone: 808-586-8465
Fax: 808-586-8469
[email protected] (mailto:[email protected])

Representative Gene Ward
House District 18 ([link removed])
Portlock, Hawai'i Kai, and Kalama Valley


Room: 319
Phone: 808-586-6420
Fax: 808-586-6421
[email protected] (mailto:[email protected])

If you have any comments, questions, or concerns that you would like to be addressed by your Representatives, please do not hesitate to reach out! Visit the capitol website for contact information. ([link removed])
Mahalo,

Hawaii State House Republican Caucus

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