TO: Councilmember Tasha Kama
Chair, Housing and Land Use Committee
Councilmember Tom Cook
Vice-Chair, Housing and Land Use Committee
FROM: Mark Anthony Clemente
Government Relations
Hawaii Regional Council of Carpenters
SUBJECT: Housing Solutions (HLU-3(21))
On behalf of the Hawaii Regional Council of Carpenters, I am writing to express our strong support for initiatives that prioritize local jobs for local people, ensure living wages, and promote the use of skilled craftspeople in our communities.
Hawaii faces a significant challenge in housing availability and affordability, particularly on Maui, where many local residents are being forced to leave due to a severe housing shortage and the lack of sustainable job opportunities. This exodus not only threatens the fabric of our communities but also undermines the skilled workforce that is vital for building our future.
As we seek to address these pressing issues, it is essential that projects awarded to contractors not only contribute to our housing solutions but also pay living wages to the hardworking individuals who build our communities. When local contractors employ local skilled workers, we invest not only in our infrastructure but also in the economy and well-being of our residents.
Furthermore, we advocate for all projects on Maui County lands to be covered under HRS 201H, which mandates prevailing wages. This ensures that our local craftspeople are compensated fairly for their skills and labor, helping to create a stable workforce that is committed to the success of each project. Prevailing wage laws are vital for maintaining high standards in construction and attracting skilled workers who take pride in their work.
By supporting local jobs and implementing living wage practices, we can cultivate a robust workforce that contributes to the long-term economic health of our islands. This approach not only uplifts families and communities but also enhances the quality of work on housing projects, ultimately benefiting all residents of Hawaii.
October 9, 2024
TO: Councilmember Tasha Kama
Chair, Housing and Land Use Committee
Councilmember Tom Cook
Vice-Chair, Housing and Land Use Committee
FROM: Mark Anthony Clemente
Government Relations
Hawaii Regional Council of Carpenters
SUBJECT: Housing Solutions (HLU-3(21))
On behalf of the Hawaii Regional Council of Carpenters, I am writing to express our strong support for initiatives that prioritize local jobs for local people, ensure living wages, and promote the use of skilled craftspeople in our communities.
Hawaii faces a significant challenge in housing availability and affordability, particularly on Maui, where many local residents are being forced to leave due to a severe housing shortage and the lack of sustainable job opportunities. This exodus not only threatens the fabric of our communities but also undermines the skilled workforce that is vital for building our future.
As we seek to address these pressing issues, it is essential that projects awarded to contractors not only contribute to our housing solutions but also pay living wages to the hardworking individuals who build our communities. When local contractors employ local skilled workers, we invest not only in our infrastructure but also in the economy and well-being of our residents.
Furthermore, we advocate for all projects on Maui County lands to be covered under HRS 201H, which mandates prevailing wages. This ensures that our local craftspeople are compensated fairly for their skills and labor, helping to create a stable workforce that is committed to the success of each project. Prevailing wage laws are vital for maintaining high standards in construction and attracting skilled workers who take pride in their work.
By supporting local jobs and implementing living wage practices, we can cultivate a robust workforce that contributes to the long-term economic health of our islands. This approach not only uplifts families and communities but also enhances the quality of work on housing projects, ultimately benefiting all residents of Hawaii.