Comm No 0035.53 - Testimony - CA-18 - PONC Maintenance fund

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From: Debbie H <hecht.deb@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, July 30, 2019 11:38 AM To: Charter Commission Subject: CA -18 and CA -9 Aloha Charter Commissioners - The County Council UNANIMOUSLY approved the following language on July 24, 2019 that would MODIFY CA -18, it now goes back to you (the Charter Commission) for your consideration. WE RESPECTFULLY REQUEST THAT YOU INCORPORATE THIS LANGUAGE INTO CA -18! [0-)(6) [No officcr, board mcmbcr, or employee of thc 501(c)3 nonprofit organization or the organization that operates undcr thc umbrella of a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization shall rcccivc a salary or payment for labor or rcccivc any reimbursement for thc stewardship work on the project[.] The 501(c)3 nonprofit shall sign an agreement so stating these conditions and submit it with thc application.] An officer, board member or employee of a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization or the organization that operates under the umbrella of a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization may receive compensation for duties that are delineated in the approved stewardship grant proposal." WHY WE WANT TO SEE THIS CHANGE: We are trying to strengthen the 2% Land Fund Program. We want to see more property acquisitions, more matching funds obtained and more non- profits receive grant money to assist their stewardship efforts for the 2% Lands. What we have learned from feedback from the non -profits who have applied for grant funding, is that the volunteer workforce is inconsistent and shows up to help when it is convenient for them. As a result: 1. All of the stewardship groups requested that they be able to pay people to work on the land. 2. Every 2% Land Fund property needs the help of people who are committed to care for the land. Volunteers are very important, but they burn out and leave because of their responsibilities to work or family. 3. As these programs grow, volunteer coordinators could be paid to maximize the land stewardship programs and create school education programs to educate keiki about the land, its history and culture. 4. The ability to pay dedicated staff would help create jobs in rural, economically depressed areas of the island & minimize volunteer burnout. Right now the non -profits have to hire outside contractors to do some of the work CA -9-- If the current language makes it onto the ballot we will run a 'JUST SAY NO!' CAMPAIGN PLEASE CHANGE CA -9! This is a golden opportunity to get the 2% Land Fund Program up and humming! We have proposed to have ONE employee paid out of the 2% Land Fund to work ONLY on the 2% Land Fund Program. Why is this necessary? 1 Comm. No. 35.53