Committee backs resolution urging city to create residential relocation assistance program

The Honolulu Committee on Housing, Homelessness and Parks on Aug. 19 approved an amended resolution urging the city administration to create a residential relocation assistance program and a dedicated full‑time position to help residents who must relocate because of city‑funded housing projects. Why it matters: The resolution would express committee direction to the administration and, if adopted by the council, would formalize the body’s request that the city establish staff capacity and a program framework for relocation assistance tied to city projects. What the committee heard: Kevin Auger, director‑designate of the Department of Housing and Land Management (DHLM), told the committee the department generally supported the resolution but suggested the program might be more consistent within DHLM. Auger said the department was “generally support[ive]” and offered to work with council members on details. Committee members proposed a verbal amendment to broaden departmental placement language so the mayor could decide the most appropriate city department to house the program. Council action and direction: Council members recorded a motion to strike the final whereas clause and revise the second “be it further resolved” clause so the program “shall be placed within an appropriate city department as determined by the mayor.” The committee adopted the verbal amendment and reported Resolution 25‑1‑85 CD1 for adoption with the revised language. Discussion vs. decision: The record shows discussion (department preference that the program align with DHLM, questions about removing an explicit reference to the Department of Community Services) and an explicit formal action — a verbal amendment adopted on the record and the resolution reported out as CD1. No further implementation details or funding were approved at the meeting. Next steps: The amended resolution (CD1) was reported out for adoption; if the full council adopts it, the mayor’s office would determine departmental placement and the administration would be expected to respond on implementation and potential funding for the position and program.