HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0427.002 2022-2024P / LAA C,
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XM.427
From: Diga Kern
Sent: Friday, September 15, 2023 8:17 AM
To: Council Testimony
Subject: testimony to approve resolution 241-23
Aloha,
I am an independent contractor working as a field technician in native forest restoration for Malama 0 Puna, 501c(3)
and Hawaii Environmental Restoration, 501c(3). I am currently working at WaFele since July 1, maintaining a border
barrier against Little Fire Ant incursion, through the proposal under consideration.
I think that Hawaii's 2% PONC fund and the accompanying 1/4% Maintenance Fund are visionary programs which other
jurisdictions of whatever size should be envious of, and strive to emulate. Mahalo for continuing to support the voters'
wish to set aside and protect vulnerable 'aina. In addition, mahalo for the adjustment allowing nonprofit leadership
personnel to be compensated for direct stewardship activities.
I think the major hiccup that everybody is aware of is a streamlining of the funding procedure. Unlike larger
organizations, some (or perhaps, most) of the nonprofits conducting these activities have very small operating budgets,
not many funds in the bank, and significant volunteer components, including volunteer administration work. Also,
contractors like myself could very well be needing to dip into savings in order to make it through to the first check,
which appears to be coming as many as 90 days after work legally commenced.
This level of hardship is unacceptable, particularly for maintenance activities that cannot be delayed until the first
disbursement. I urge you to work within your committee, with PONC Secretary Cutler, and with personnel at Finance to
streamline this otherwise commendable program.
Sincerely, Diga Kern .
Comm. No. I�• �'
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