COM 0208.106 2004-2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Economic • For small businesses, which are the source of most business growth, quality of life and customer proximity are the two most important factors in their relocations, with open space/parks/recreation at the top of the list for quality of life.°'S If you want to ensure economic growth and promote business, fund open space. Please see the 21 references, provided in May 4 testimony, for studies and information from around the country that detail how open space is a very wise financial investment for communities. Open space decreases and prevents crime, reducing public safety costs; decreases the cost of infrastructure and reduces the need for some infrastructure; and decreases health care costs, while subsidizing other land uses. I am forvvarding this data to the Mayor as well to assist him in feeling comfortable in knowing that Bill 78 will diminish costs and public safety and infrastructure needs while ensuring reliable revenue to fund public safety and infrastructure, including roads. There were several comments made during the last reading that we had time to study options, perhaps a charter amendment or different funding mechanism. I want to re-iterate, we really do need to pass this Bill now. And here is just one example why. A private in-holding on the Kohala Coast, within the boundaries of Lapakahi State Park, a parcel with outstanding cultural and archeological sites went up for sale a few days before the last reading. The state park has expressed interest in acquiring the land and even holding/managing it. Last year this landowner expressed interest in working with the community to provide access. However; because of an immediate, need for funding for his business in California, the owner is selling now and may not be able to wait for those of us in Kohala to raise the needed $2.9 million to purchase this 17 acres of important ocean-front land. He and the realtor are certainly open to purchases for conservation and open space purposes. But they cannot wait long. If we had a dedicated funding source it is likely we could have acquired the property or could have at least secured an option to buy while we raise the needed funds and/or secured federal dollars that require a local match to assist with purchases. This land should be part of the state park. If we are not able to raise the funds quickly for this land it will be gone in the next one to three months and either fenced off with one or two houses or more expensive to purchase from the next landowner. I think the private philanthropic study that Dr. Holschuh has funded will be helpful tool, especially if it identifies specifically who and how much individuals are willing to pay. Experience from around the country has shown us that private funding is often an important component of open space purchases, but it is rarely the primary funding source. And as the Trust from Public Lands stated, private funding is usually the last piece that comes into play. We want to encourage and invite private funding and I know that the study funded by Council Member Holschuh will assist with that. But it is clear that public funding is needed to get the ball rolling, to lay the foundation so private funders feel confident in investing in open space. We cannot wait nor depend on private funding. We must pass BiII 78 now. Nor can we wait or depend on the County to pass special appropriations, parcel by parcel, nor can we wait or depend on the Administration to negotiate with individual landowners for all of our open space needs. Lastly, I want to acknowledge that I saw and heard heart felt support for the intent of this Bill, even from members who disagreed with aspects of the mechanics of the Bill. I have supplied data and reports that address the economic and financial concerns stated during the last reading of this Bill. I hope this makes it easier for Council Members who voted against it two weeks ago to now support this bill with a positive vote. Page 3 of5