MIN CHARTER 2018-12-14 (2018-2020)

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Hawai`i County Charter Commission -6 December 14, 2018 acquisition. I am so sick of our politicians eyeing a pot of public funds designated for one use and trying to manipulate legislation so they can raid that fund for other uses. It seems to happen every time there is a funding shortfall or a natural disaster. Why isn't disaster relief fund properly funded? I say don't jeopardize our future because of your inability to plan well for potential disasters economic and social problems. If we do not preserve our lands now, all of those problems will be significantly exasperated. Yes, problems need to be dealt with, but let's not get stuck in short term thinking at the expense of the future of our people. Open spaces and park lands are not just enjoyable, they contribute to the peace and health of every resident and are critical to the environment. There is a movement by our Mayor and other politicians to weaken the two percent fund at a time when it should be strengthened. We should not have to keep voicing what we citizens have already made very clear. Rather than raiding those funds, how about implementing the will of the citizens and taking decisive action now by using these funds to hire staff to acquire more lands for a more secure future for us all. And I want you to think about one thing that keeps coming to my mind. Where would we be if it wasn't for the forward thinking politicians on a national scale. What if Teddy Roosevelt had never started our national parks system. Where would we be now and how would be developing those lands? We have an administration now that wants to threaten those park lands and this is how I am feeling about what we are doing here and I think it sets a horrible example now and for our future generations. CHR. ADAMS: Thank you very much. At this time I am going to suspend statements from the public. We will return to that. Invite Mayor Kim to the table to make a statement. MAYOR KIM: MAYOR KIM: Thank you very much. I stopped to ask John what was his position on this. If you notice I sat next to a person who is on this side. There's no enemies here. I just want to make that clear. I need to, I never, and people who know me know that I never prepare testimony regardless of what it is. I go strictly for what I feel at the time, but the reason that I prepared somethings just this morning as a matter of fact, is because I wanted to make sure that I emphasize certain things and don't forget it. First of all, thank you for your work. The most important thing for me here today is to clarify misinformation as far as the administration stand past and present. I do sincerely ask that all involved check the information for accuracy because there is so much misinfonnation out there on this very important issue. This administration of the past between the year 2000-2008 records are open and will verify specifically what properties was purchased or acquired utilizing federal, state, and county funds. The responsibility to protect our special lands should not be so heavily burdened on the limited County property taxes but on all sources of funds. I am very proud of what was accomplished. You know this is Page 5