Comm No 0024.032 - Testimony - CA-9 - staff for PONC fund and Maintenance fund

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From: Lea Hong <lea.hong@tpl.org> Sent: Wednesday, January 9, 2019 3:31 PM To: Charter Commission Cc: Lea Hong Subject: CA -7 (oppose) and CA -9 (support) - Charter Commission continued hearing January 11, 2019 Aloha Chair Adams and Commission Members: We understand that no additional public testimony will be allowed at the continued Charter Commission hearing on January 11, 2019. However, The Trust for Public Land would like to be on record opposing CA -7 and supporting CA -9. As discussed in prior testimony, The Trust for Public Land was originally involved in and supported the creation of the PONC fund through its 501(c)(4) organization, the Conservation Campaign. Opposition to CA -7 - The Trust for Public Land opposes CA -7 as it would decrease the fund and cap it. As we all know, land is very expensive in Hawai'i, and where opportunities arise, we need to be prepared to conserve special places before they are developed, destroyed, or gone, rather than wait years (as the County of Kaua'i does) for the fund to build up to a level where land can be purchased. The Trust for Public Land also opposes reducing the maintenance fund, and opposes changes to the Charter that would expand the use of the maintenance fund to large capital projects which could easily deplete the fund in one project. However, The Trust for Public Land does not oppose use of the fund for smaller projects such as educational facilities, sheds for storage of equipment, or portable restrooms in remote locations. The Trust for Public Land also opposes removing the protective covenant requirement — this type of perpetual covenant is required if the County is to qualify for matching funding from federal and other programs. The Trust for Public Land also opposes the transfer provisions as they may also jeopardize matching funding. Support of CA -9 — The Trust for Public Land supports us of PONC funds to pay for a full-time staff person under the Department of Finance dedicated to administering the PONC program, acquiring property, obtaining matching funds, administering the suggestion forms, stewardship/maintenance applications, and the maintenance fund. Mahalo - Lea Hong Hawaiian Islands State Director Edmund C. Olson Trust Fellow The Trust for Public Land 1003 Bishop Street, Suite 740 Honolulu, HI 96813 The Trust for Public Land creates parks and protects land for people, ensuring healthy, livable communities for generations to come. www,tpLorg Comm. No. 24.32