REP FC 160 11/15/2011 2010-2012 - Laserfiche WebLink

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REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE DATE: November 15, 2011 PLACE: Council Chambers Kona, Hawai`i TIME: 1:34 p.m. Council Chair and Members Hawaii County Council Hilo, Hawai `i 96720 Re: Comm. No. 436/Bill 128 Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred Bill No. 128, reports as follows: Bill No. 128, transmitted by Council Member Brenda Ford, via Communication No. 436 dated October 19, 2011, is a bill for an ordinance to initiate a charter amendment to Article X, Financial Procedures of the Hawai `i County Charter (2010 Edition), by adding a new section for a Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Maintenance Fund. The purpose of the Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Maintenance Fund is to accrue and use moneys for maintenance of lands and easements acquired by the Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Fund (PONC). The maintenance fund will be used to preserve the land, promote public safety, and maintain a healthy stewardship. Vice Chair Dominic Yagong resumes chair of the Finance Committee on November 1 and 15tH Director of Parks and Recreation Bob Fitzgerald appeared before Your Committee. Mr. Fitzgerald provided general comments to this proposed bill. Mr. Fitzgerald noted if this PONC maintenance fund is managed by the Parks and Recreation Department, the financial aspect need to be distinguished from the Parks and Recreation functions. Director of Finance Nancy Crawford appeared before Your Committee. Ms. Crawford clarified that she was in communication with Ms. Ford on certain items of this proposed bill, and that it not be interpreted that administration fully agrees and is in support of this bill as it is drafted. Some members commented; 1) County struggles to balance its budget annually each year and declining revenues are a concern; 2) priority of maintenance should be on County -owned facilities instead of applying it to open space lands; 3) certain lands purchased with PONC funds may not be accessible to public if these areas are fenced off to be protected and liability issues is at risk. Ms. Ford further commented that these lands are not to be fenced to deny access to the public. Maintenance funds would be used to maintain, preserve and buffer archaeological sites on acquired open space lands. Ms. Ford seeks the support of Your Committee. At the meeting on November 1, 2011, by unanimous vote, the measure was postponed to November 15, 2011. FC Report No. 160