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Page 1 of 1 <br /> Robello, Alfred <br /> From: jocelyng@hawaii.rr.com <br /> RKtiv eu <br /> Sent: Tuesday, May 03, 2005 10:59 AM hme.!~'.h?. _ <br /> D..=.` 8y.____ <br /> To: counciltestimony@co.hawaii.hi.us Date____.__.6.'.3~,QS.___._.__..~ <br /> Subject: Support for Bill 78. 2% of Property Tax Revenue for a Land Fund only Counc~4 <br /> Please support a Land Protection Fund for Hawaii County as proposed in Bill 78. <br /> [ am a resident of Kailua-Kona and also serve on the board of the Hawaii Island Land Trust and I am <br /> writing to voice my support for Bill 78. I have witnessed first hand how much setting aside at least 2% <br /> of property tax revenue can do to create opportunities to preserve open space, important ecological <br /> <br /> habitats, and sites of hisoric and cultural significance. I spent a summer working with the Maui Coastal <br /> Land Trust before moving to Hawaii Island, In Maui County, the voters established a land fund in 2002. <br /> Using money from that fund, the Maui Coastal Land Trust was ablo to attract matching federal funds <br /> and fundraise from private individuals enough money to purchase 277+ acres of coastal dune habitat on <br /> Maui's Northwest shore, at Waihe'e. At one time, the area had been designated for development as a <br /> large golf course/resort. The community was divided about this fate for the land! ,and man <br /> Land use is at the core of many of the issues our growing Island population is dealing with. By setting <br /> aside designated funds, Hawaii County can be in a position to negotiate with private landowners who <br /> may he entitled to something in exchange for relinquishing development rights. A dedicated Land fund <br /> <br /> could give the County time and space to work with landowners and developers to reach collaborative <br /> solutions. <br /> <br /> There are organizations here in Hawaii County, that can work cooperatively with the County to steward <br /> <br /> lands that are protected by conservation easements and/or purchased outright with county funds. }'lease <br /> support Bill 78. It will give us a chance to make strategic choices about the future of development and <br /> <br /> conservation in Hawaii County. <br /> <br /> Thank you for considering this testimony. <br /> <br /> Jocelyn B. Garovoy, Esq. <br /> Comm. No. (r0'~/Z <br /> Ref. To:Prese ~ <br /> ttef. Uote~1~ <br /> 5/3/2005 <br /> <br />