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From: David Kwiat <drkwiat@yahoo.com> <br />Sent: Tuesday, February 5, 2019 6:57 PM <br />To: Charter Commission <br />Subject: Land Use Fund <br />Dear Chairperson Adams and other members of the Commission, <br />We strongly support the 2% Land Use Fund and the efforts to keep it going. Support for this fund by <br />our county citizens is evident from its having been on the ballot on three separate occasions and <br />being supported by over 63% of the voters. One of our county officials was recently quoted in the <br />West Hawaii Today stating that the Land Use Fund was just sitting idle as they had not received <br />recommendations for purchases. We find this outlandish and, if true, we need to streamline the <br />process. In today's paper alone, there was mention that the Bishop Estates was wishing to sell a <br />portion of the Waipio Valley. Also, there was a beautiful oceanfront property listed on the North <br />Kohala Coast. These would both be ideal candidates for purchase. <br />A committee needs to have the authority to advise and make land purchases that are in the public's <br />interest. A portion of the fund should be used for maintenance and improvements of these properties. <br />We need to have safe trails, roads, restrooms and other improvements so that people really can <br />enjoy the island. <br />Our mayor and elected officials have a difficult job of trying to balance the budget while providing for <br />needed roads and services. Raiding the Land Use Fund would only be a very short term solution and <br />the funds would eventuallly disappear into oblivion. <br />We urge the members of the committee to strengthen the Land Use Fund and not to allow it to be <br />gutted. Let's take positive action on something that our future generations will praise, appreciate, and <br />enjoy! <br />David Kwiat <br />Kailua-Kona. HI 96740 <br />1 <br />Comm. No. 21.117 <br />