Comm No 0044.03 - Testimony - CA-27 - PONC fund - Easements - Eminent Domain

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We object to (g) because this is already being done so it is unnecessary. Conservation easements are being used to acquire land at Waikapuna so this is unnecessary. If a full time person is hired to work only on the 2% Land Fund program who has real estate and conservation land experience would know that. All of the staff that have been hired by the County know this and so do the PONC commissioners. I object to (h) because This option is open to the county through the courts already, it is also unnecessary to include here. The highest and best use to maximize taxpayer's money is to obtain dollar for dollar matching funds, I agree with the Trust of Public Lands that grant funders would not match funds for properties obtained through eminent domain. I am concerned with the legal costs. If the county had this power, would they pay for the extensive legal fees to "take" someone land for open space or a park out of the 2% Land Fund? I don't want my tax money spent on that use. PLEASE SAY NO TO CA -27, it is UNNECESSARY. Mahalo for your consideration of these very important issues and mahalo for your service. 2