DJOU INTRODUCES “COMMUNITY AWARENESS ACT OF 2010”

Congressman Acts After Hosting Community Meeting In Ewa Beach 

Washington, DC — Congressman Charles K. Djou (HI-01) issued the following statement after introducing H.R. 6178, the “Community Awareness Act of 2010:” 

“The Community Awareness Act requires applicants for grant assistance under section 811 of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act to hold public meetings regarding such applications. I introduced the legislation in response to recent events in the Ewa Gentry community, which is in my district. I hope that this legislation will receive bipartisan support and swift action.”

Background:

Congressman Djou, along with State Representative Kymberly Pine, hosted a community meeting in Ewa Beach on September 7, 2010. The purpose of this meeting was to discuss issues surrounding a supportive group housing facility to be built by Mental Health Kokua (MHK).

Prior to the community meeting, Congressman Djou met with officials from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) regarding this facility.

Officials from HUD, the Hawaii State Department of Health (DOH), the CEO and staff of MHK, the staff and officers of the Community Association and the residents of Ewa Gentry were all invited to the community meeting.

At the meeting, Congressman Djou pledged to introduce legislation requiring grant applicants under section 811 of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act for supportive housing for persons with disabilities to hold public hearings on their proposed projects.

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