HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0620.014 2002-2004 ~Gu4 PIHY 18 r .
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TO: HAWAII COUNTYCOUNC[L ~
From Marni Herkes
May 18, 2004 for the Finance Committee
I am testifying in support of Act 270, setting aside 1 % of property tax revenue to buy
public lands, working with other public and private entities to do so. Only I would like
the bill to reflect a 2% set aside for the preservation of Open Space and the protection of
our natural beauty.
The Trust for Public Land has done a survey and 70 % of the voters of the Big Island
want to see a permanent dedicated fund created. This has been done very well in other
parts of the state and country with newspaper headlines such as "Maui Trust meets $4.8M
goal' ; "a small powerful network of nonprofit land trusts, government agencies and
foundations have bought thousands of acres of California's coastline since 2000 in an
unparalleled drive to keep it clear of more development"; and the Forest Legacy Project
at Kahuku.
This is very definitely a quality of life issue and I am sure all of your constituents will
applaud your vision in protecting and preserving our environment, our culture, and our
economy. I will certainly applaud my council person when he votes for this bill.
Watersheds and coastal areas are a great concern in Kona and this is a great tool to
combine resources to protect both. I am a member of the over 600-member Kona
Outdoor Circle and I believe you have testimony in favor of this Act from them today. I
am also Vice-president of the Hawai' i Island League of Women Voters and on our
program of work are such items as "supporting extension of Shoreline Access, supporting
the maintenance and reforestation of Hawaf i Island land to protect our watersheds and
other natural resources".
Thank you for your consideration of this very important step toward a measured, efficient
method of preserving our county's open space and environment. This will in the long run
be much less expensive than not doing it. Our residents deserve, and pay for, the best
environment in the world and this will make a statement that we intend to keep it that
way. We all have our special projects that we would like to have these funds used for and
I would be happy to discuss mine if you want.
Aloha,
Marni Herkes marnih!iS~riirquoise.net
808 987 2171 or POBox 571, Holualoa Hi 96725
Comm. No.
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