Statement by Neil Abercrombie on State's Refusal to Fund Community Programs

Statement

In an informational hearing today, the Lingle/Aiona administration said it will not release about $24 million the state Legislature appropriated from the Rainy Day fund for community programs.

Neil Abercrombie released the following statement today:

"The Lingle/Aiona administration's refusal to release funds for these community programs is the latest example of the conflict and lack of vision that is fracturing our community and hampering our economic recovery.

"Private nonprofit organizations are employers. Like all businesses, they are relying on government to follow through as planned. In this case, the failure to release these funds will cause job losses and cutbacks at a time when these organizations need capacity to serve growing community needs.

"More disturbing is the Lingle/Aiona administration's disordered priorities where the most needy in Hawaii have to continue suffering, while groups that want to and can help have to beg government for a response.

"Hawaii can't afford four more years of shortsighted decision making."

Programs affected by this include:

* $1.5 million to Healthy Start program

* $3 million for Kupuna Care program

* $2 million for QUEST health care payments to restore adult dental care

* $1.5 million for development disabilities Medicaid waiver program

* $1.5 million for mental health services

* $1.4 million for substance abuse treatment

* $1 million for homeless service housing pilot program targeting chronically homeless individual

* $332,000 for Waianae District Comprehensive Health and Hospital

* $800,000 for child care subsidies

* $762,500 for domestic violence shelters

* $600,000 for HMSA for Keiki Care

* $550,000 for Hawaii immigrant health initiative program

* $500,000 for meals for the elderly for Kupuna Care

* $500,000 for Kokua Kalihi Valley Comprehensive Family Services

* $300,000 for Families for R.E.A.L. program

Source