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January 22, 2019 <br />To: Douglass Adams, Chairperson, and Members of the Charter Commission <br />From: Rose Schilt <br />Re: Opposition to CA -7, Draft 2, Proposal to Repeal and Replace Provisions for <br />PONC Fund and Maintenance Fund <br />Please do not approve the First Reading of this proposal to change this important <br />program that helps protect Hawaii's treasured places on this island. <br />I support continuing the PONC fund at its current level of 2% of property taxes. <br />Reducing this to .75% would result in diminishing support for applications and <br />decreased involvement from communities and their participation in this important <br />governmental process. Ultimately, fewer properties could be acquired, and people <br />would be discouraged about government, since the majority of voters have twice <br />voted for PONC. Fewer matching grants could be accessed, bringing fewer dollars <br />from public and private sources to the table for treasured places on Big Island. <br />The revenue gains in these vital areas could exceed the value of taxes otherwise <br />generated on nonprofit, public and private land uses. It would be short-sighted to <br />undercut such a treasured program that supports statewide planning goals, for short- <br />term gains. Protected lands are fundamental to the economic, cultural, agricultural, <br />educational, recreational, youth development and tourism vitality of the island. <br />This Program currently accesses matching funds from state, federal and private <br />dollars, a huge contribution to the island, over $9 M over the last decade. The land <br />fund is working to preserve Hawaii Island's treasured lands. The 'in perpetuity' clause <br />is vital. PONC is critical to assuring that Big Island plans for a sustainable and healthy <br />environment for present and future generations. <br />Please support the will of Hawai'i County voters who in clear majorities have <br />repeatedly spoken, indicating their enthusiastic support for the Land Fund Program as <br />a foundation to help protect our treasured Hawai'i 'aina. <br />Mahalo nui for this opportunity to testify. <br />Rose Schilt, Member, Board of Directors, Amy B.H. Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden <br />808-366-6428 <br />Comm. No. 21.61 <br />