Comm No 0021.012 - Testimony - CA-7 - PONC fund and Maintenance fund

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Margaret Wille Attorney at Law 65-1316 Lihipali Road Kamuela, Hawaii 96743 Tel: 808-854-6931 margaretwilleAmac.com December 14, 2018 To: Charter Commission Fr: Margaret Wille, on behalf of myself Re: Comm. 24 CA- 7 and CA- 9: Section 10-15. Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Fund; No amendment of Section 10-16 is necessary I believe the 2% fund should be maintained at its current funding allocation and formula, however uses for the funds can be expanded to address activities related to preservation and best utilization of the funds. This island (in contrast to the other Hawaii island is most economically dependent upon preservation of its environment and heritage cultural. Our environment is our economy. We should take advantage of this fund and make its lands more accessible to the public for nature based recreation and education. We must partner with nature. Here is a suggested amendment that is a compromise of CA -7 and CA -9: Amend Section 10-15. Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Fund. (a) In adopting each fiscal year's operating budget, the council shall appropriate a minimum of two percent of the certified real property tax revenues, including penalty and interest, to a fund known as the public access, open space, and natural resources preservation fund. Deposits to the fund shall occur at a minimum, on a quarterly basis on an annual basis. (b) Funding shall consist of a minimum of two percent of actual revenue received in the fiscal year. Additional revenue may consist of grants and private contributions intended for the purpose of this section, voluntary contributions of any amount as specified on the real property tax bill, proceeds from the sale of general obligation bonds authorized and issued for the purpose of this section, council appropriations for the purpose of this section, and any other source of revenue. (c) Monies in this fund shall be used solely to: (1) Purchase or otherwise acquire lands and easements in the County of Hawai'i 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 Comm. No. 21.12