Comm No 0021.039 - Testimony - CA-7 - PONC fund and Maintenance fund

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County of Hawaii Charter Commission 25 Aupuni Street Hilo, Hawaii 96720 Room 1401 Re: Communication 21 for Charter Amendment 7 Aloha Charter Commissioners, I am writing to express my strong opposition to Communication 21 which would reduce the amount deposited into the County Land Fund, potentially weaken the access to the maintenance fund, and delete the provision which currently keeps 2% Lands under the ownership of the County of Hawaii. The people of Hawaii have voted repeatedly to support the 2% fund and its current structure by a clear majority, and this voting record demonstrates the strong conservation and environmental ethics of Hawaii's residents and voters. Specifically, Communication 21 seeks to reduce the fund by a significant amount even though voters continue to express their commitment to land conservation and respect for the unique environment of Hawaii. If the Charter Commission believes that the fund is underutilized, a better approach would be to increase the efficiency of the fund management rather than reduce the overall fund amount. Next, by taking the maintenance fund out from under the protection of the 2% fund, essential access and maintenance of 2% Lands may be lost contrary to the intent of the fund and to the commitment to public access and enjoyment. Finally, the county should maintain the provision which protects 2% Lands from sale or transfer to insure the integrity of the Land Fund and to continue to encourage matching funds from individuals and organizations that support conservation. No reasonable group would donate matching funds for land acquisition only to have the lands sold off and the proceeds sent to the general fund. The 2% fund serves as a source of inspiration to other states and counties. Please take whatever steps are necessary to both preserve and improve the 2% Land Fund so that it will continue to protect pristine legacy lands in Hawaii. Once these special lands are gone, it would be very difficult to ever get them back again. We're counting on you for your help and guidance and appreciate your strong support of the 2% Land Fund now and into the future. Les ie Cole -Brooks Attorney at Law P.O. Box 77 Papaaloa, HI. 96780 leslie(cole-brooks.com Comm. No. 21.39