Comm No 0021.064 - Testimony - CA-7 - PONC fund and Maintenance fund

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They contain some of the richest agricultural lands on Oahu and have been farmed by ancient Hawaiians for centuries. They are irreplaceable natural resources and part of the economic, ecological and cultural heritage of Ko-o-lau-poko. These places are worth saving for us and for future generations. That's why we are requesting increased funding for land conservation, by removing the $6.8 -million cap on the 10 - percent conveyance tax to the Legacy Land Conservation Program." I have recently read that the Hawaii County administration and County Board will pursue the full 1/2% GET for a ten year period soon. The estimates are that this will generate an additional $50 million per year for the County's budget. Efforts are being made to allow use of these funds for purposes other than transportation. Governor Ige also indicated that he supports the lifting of the TAT cap on the neighbor Islands that could result in substantial revenues for the County's general fund. With these potential increases in revenue, what is the point in diminishing the already limited funding for preserving our special places on the Big Island? We are at a crucial point in time where we still have significant high quality tracts of land available at affordable prices, but the prices are becoming higher. Wealthy investors and developers are increasing their efforts to acquire Big Island land, so now is the opportune time for the County to preserve these resources for generations to come. I implore you to reconsider your original decision to move forward with this ballot question to reduce the PONC contribution. As the Governor said yesterday, "we need to have special lands in public hands." Mahalo nui for your time and consideration. Don Don Rudny P.O. Box 106 Pepeekeo, HI 96783-0106 2