Comm No 0003.01.02 - Testimony - Ad Hoc - PONC fund and Maintenance fund

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S. Naungayan Testimony Page 2 Reasons for Support of This Method of Funding: 1. The currently mandated two percent of the certified real property tax revenues for the PONC Preservation Fund allows the PONC Commission to purchase and preserve ancient sites of significant historical value. In addition to preserving land of historic and cultural value, PONC is able to purchase and/or acquire lands for public recreation, education, and conservation. The protection of these natural resources, preservation of forests, animal habitats, beaches, coastal areas, and watershed lands yields the safeguarding of the land and its bounty which are invaluable and irreplaceable treasures. With the recent disasters on Hawai'i Island due to the lava destruction of over 600 homes and farms as well as the torrential rains and resultant floods, it is inevitable that the actual real property tax revenues will be much less than had been anticipated. For this reason, ask that you maintain the current two percent real property tax revenues to fund the PONC Preservation Fund in order to continue to protect and preserve the historic land and its natural resources. 2. Since an amendment to the County Charter will last at least ten years on the books, it is important to consider the exponentially growing value of the lands that must be preserved and purchased within the next ten years. Many of the lands that PONC purchases are lands in the Kohala cultural corridor, lands that contain heiau and other important cultural sites that date back to Kamehameha Nui (Kamehameha the Great). Further, because many of the lands are also prime beachfront land which requires public access, one must consider the growing cost of this most valuable real estate. For these reasons, the two percent of the certified real property tax must remain as the funding source for the Preservation Fund. While it is true that the PONC budget is currently supported by important grants and benefactors, these donations are not guaranteed sources of revenue. One cannot rely upon charity as a means of support, especially in tenuous economic times. For this reason, the PONC budget must possess sufficient funds to stand alone should the time come when grants, benefactors, and donations can no longer supplement PONC's purchasing power. I propose that a cap of thirty million dollars be placed on the amount of money that may be accumulated by the PONC Preservation fund. I strongly propose that the Hawai'i County Charter place a cap on the moneys contained in the PONC fund. Moreover, I staunchly support a cap with a maximum limit of $30 million dollars. I chose this specific amount after studying the recent purchases made by the PONC Commission as published in the May 18, 2018, Acquisition Status Report. Please see the attached report. Total acquisition costs (County) are listed at $31,558,121.32 (page 2 of 3). Further, please note that three of the costliest and most culturally important parcels are land in the,North Kohala area. After study, review, and site visits the Commission chose to recommend that Mayor Kim acquire these important parcels for preservation and protection. By capping the PONC Preservation Fund at $30,000,000.00, the protection of the land can continue unimpeded and will fulfill the purpose of the Public Access, Open Space and Natural Preservation Commission (PONC) which is to preserve our 'aim, our land. M. alo pjha (dexest thanks), Shellie B. Allen Na yan Retired Teacher, Vklaiakea High School