Comm No 0021 - Transmit CA-7 - Laserfiche WebLink

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4. Should section 10-16 relating to the PONC maintenance fund be changed? Findings: A) Section 10-15(c), of the Charter provides that moneys in the preservation fund shall be used to: "(1) Purchase or otherwise acquire lands and easements in the County of Hawaii for public outdoor recreation and education, including: (A) Access to beaches and mountains; (B) Preservation of historic or culturally important land areas and sites; (C) Protection of natural resources, significant habitat or eco -systems, including buffer zones; (D) Preservation of forests, beaches, coastal areas, natural beauty and agricultural lands; and (E) Protection of watershed lands to preserve water quality and water supply." In order to accomplish the purposes listed above, lands acquired through the preservation fund, must be maintained and improved. Significant financial and personnel resources are required to accomplish these tasks. B) Unlike the other Counties, Hawaii County has a separate PONC maintenance fund that is funded with .25% of real property tax revenue. Section 10-16(g) of the Charter extensively details permissible uses of this fiscal resource. Notably, this section prohibits use of these funds for new buildings, facilities, or infrastructure including roads, paths, ramps, etc. and for mitigation of Americans with Disabilities Act compliance issues for new buildings, facilities, or infrastructure. Prohibited uses for these moneys include construction of bathrooms, waterlines, parking, or even storage facilities for equipment used to maintain these properties by stewardship grantees. To the extent that such improvements are needed to effectuate the purpose of these land purchases, these restrictions hinder the progress of this effort. C) Insufficient fiscal and personnel resources make it difficult for the County and stewardship grantees to accomplish the purpose of the land purchases program. Recommendation: The ad hoc committee recommends that the Charter be amended to facilitate the maintenance and improvement of lands acquired with PONC funds. -10-