HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0284.040 2020-2022 From: Beth Thoma Robinson, R(B)
Sent: Friday, June 11, 2021 5:07 PM
To: Council Testimony
Cc: Richards, Tim
Subject: Testimony in support of Resolution 145-21 -
TO: Chair Keaneali`i-Kleinfelder and members of the County Council Finance Committee w
I am writing to submit my testimony urging the Committee members to vote affirmatively on the proplkd Resolution
145-21 authorizing the County to begin negotiations to acquire the parcels included in the Mahukona property as
currently ranked#1 by the PONC, and/or to participate in the funding of conservation easements thereon.
My support comes as a Kohala community member, as a long time volunteer with the North Kohala Access Group
under the North Kohala Community Development Plan, and as Hawaii Life's statewide Director of Conservation and
Legacy Lands.
From a statewide perspective, I can attest that there are few places across the pae `aina with the concentration of
conservation values present at the Mahukona site. The involvement of Hawaii Land Trust in piecing together a
complex conservation puzzle, as well as the stewardship commitment from Na Kalai Wa`a and lineal descendants will
make this a flagship instance of conservation and stewardship for a public purpose in the state.
As a member of the Access Group, I would remind the Committee that we have a strong track record of leveraging
other sources of funding so that the County's conservation dollars go farther. Speaking from experience, as the listing
agent for the Kapanaia parcel which will be closing escrow to PONC this year, having the Resolution in hand paved
the way for our successful application to the State Legacy Land Conservation Program.
As a member of the community, I can think of few places that are as beloved and widely used by a cross section of
the Kohala community. Protecting Mahukona from development has been a decades-long effort of love and passion.
Please help us make this a reality for future generations.
Beth Thoma Robinson, R(B)
Director,Conservation and Legacy Lands
HAWAII LIFE
Comm. No. N 4""J"
Ref. To:
1 Ref. Bate 1 5 2021