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Murashige, Laura From: Lois-ellin Datta [datta@ilhawaii.net] Sent: Thursday, June 01, 2006 2:18 PM To: counciltestimony@co.hawaii.hi.us Cc: kpilago@co.hawaii.hi.us Subject: Bill 235, County Budget, RESTORE Coastal Acquisition Monies Dear Council Members: This testimony is being submitted with regard to Bill 235, the Hawaii County Budget. Specifically, I urge all Council members to vote for restoring funds for Coastal Land Acquisition. The reasons for this recommendation follow: ° - 1. Coastal land is precious, unique, and limited. Once it is gone, it " would be difficult and perhaps in some cases impossible to restore. 2. Coastal land is an economic value for the County of Hawaii. Pristine J land and coasts are among the reasons visitors come, and we are in part, dependent on visitors. - 3. Coastal land and land acquisition improve the quality of life for all of us. While the relationship is not simple to quantify, these lands are among the "stress-relievers" for families; they can perhaps avoid much higher costs for treating the consequences of stressful traffic conditions and other economic stressors; and they are part of showing respect for Hawaiian traditions. From what I have seen, monies to acquire land MUST be specifically in the Budget and must be irrevocably earmarked for Coastal Land Acquisition. The CIP approach historically has been under-funded, it has been "raided" for other purposes, and is not a trustworthy source of land acquistion resources. I specifically urge that monies sufficient to buy Ka'awa Bay be added to the Budget, before the Council passes it. Thank you for your consideration /s/ Lois-ellin Datta Lois-ellin Datta Owl's Nest Farm LLC P.O. Box 326 Captain Cook, Hawaii 96704 Comte. No. , ~ ~ 2 Ref. To:rc~ ~~'•I Rif. Uate_ i