Panels hear State lawmakers were asked yesterday to increase the aid for Hawaii's poor and needy, already hurt economically before the downturn caused by the Sept. 11 attacks.
charities’ needs
Proposed legislation isn't
enough, officials sayBy Crystal Kua
ckua@starbulletin.com
The Legislature's two money committees heard testimony on a bill that would provide $1 million for emergency shelter and $250,000 for food from the "rainy day" emergency budget and reserve fund.
But a proposal was being floated to increase the appropriation to nearly $10 million.
"More than $1.25 million is needed," said Kathleen Hasegawa, executive director of the Affordable Housing and Homeless Alliance. "Even the cursory look at the numbers of unemployed persons ... and the current fair market rent levels tells us that the amount of money proposed in this bill is far too low."
The proposed $9.9 million appropriation would be used for emergency food and shelter, child care financial assistance, and emergency job training.
Susan Au Doyle is co-chairwoman of Hawaii Together, a task force of government, charitable, business, faith-based, education and nonprofit groups convened by Gov. Ben Cayetano.
The task force recommended that $5 million be appropriated for shelter assistance and $800,000 for food.
"While we know that there were already people whose welfare was already at risk prior to Sept. 11, it is clear that the economic downturn has added to their ranks, individuals and the families of individuals who have suddenly become unemployed or underemployed," she said.
For example, the state's four county food banks are conducting food drives but they estimate they will need an additional $800,000 in cash over the next six months to make supplemental bulk purchases, she said.
"It's now going out much faster than it's coming in," said Linda Chu Takayama, chairwoman of the Hawaii Foodbank.
Hasegawa also said hundreds of families are set to be dropped from the welfare roles in December. "There is likely to be no room at the inn come Christmas."
Legislature Directory
Legislature Bills & Hawaii Revised Statutes
