Laserfiche WebLink
February 6, 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% to use a portion of the 2% Land Fund monies to fund a staff <br />person who is dedicated to the administration of the 2% Land Fund Program with the <br />provisions of Section 10-15 and Section 10-16. This would result in support for more <br />applications, increased involvement from communities and their participation in <br />government. Ultimately, more properties may be acquired, more matching funds <br />would be obtained for local and tourist industry benefit, and more stewardship grants <br />would be awarded. <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 accesses matching funds from state, federal and private dollars, a huge <br />contribution to the island, over $9 M over the last decade. The land fund is working <br />to preserve Hawaii Island's treasured lands, but we can make it more successful by <br />having a dedicated staff member. We must retain the clause to obtain matching <br />funds and protect these lands in perpetuity. PONC is vital to assuring that Big Island <br />plans for a sustainable and healthy 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. 21.128 <br />