Comm No 0024.028 - Testimony - CA-9 - staff for PONC fund and Maintenance fund

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From: Janet Britt <janetbritt50@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, January 7, 2019 4:05 PM To: Charter Commission Subject: Britt Testimony for January 11, 2019 meeting January 7, 2019 Dear Charter Commission: I am writing to you because I am very concerned about the future of Hawaii's lands and waters. I am especially appalled that the County is considering reducing the 2% Public Access Open Space and Natural Resources (PONC) land fund to 0.75 percent and doing away with the Maintenance Fund. The People of the County of Hawaii voted strongly several times in favor of setting up this land fund at 2% of the tax revenue from property taxes. The implementation of this fund was an outstanding example of strategic thinking about the lands and ocean that this island depends on, not only for growing food and fish, but also for conserving the forests and wild places that attract millions of tourists each year. The PONC fund has been used to conserve so many special places around the island. Conservation of Hawaii is not finished. In fact, now it is more important than ever to have this fund available to protect the lands and waters because, once those precious resources are gone, they are gone forever. In order to continue the conservation of the protected lands, we also need the Maintenance Fund to ensure protection in perpetuity. Please do not change the charter that has helped Hawaii County become a leader in the state and the nation in its foresight to protect unique and sacred places. Your decision will impact generations to come. We the citizens of Hawaii County love this area. I ask you to show your love of this amazing place by keeping the charter at 2% and the Maintenance Fund as it is presently funded. Please VOTE NO on Communication 21. As further evidence that you truly care about Hawaii, please vote YES to fund a staff position. By having a fully dedicated staff member responsible for reviewing proposals, responding to questions, and helping priority projects obtain funding, will we be able to strengthen the conservation of our irreplaceable lands and waters. Please, think of your children and their children. What kind of Hawaii do you want to leave to them? That decision is in your hands. Mahalo. Janet Britt 77-213 Mahiehie St. Kailua Kona, HI 96740 Comm. No. 24.28