HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0620.029 2002-2004 County Council Hearing -May 18, 2004
BILL 270 - HAWAII ISLAND LAND PROTECTION FUND
Testimony by Dr. Robert Shallenberger, Hawaii Island Conservation Director
The Nature Conservancy of Hawaii
The Nature Conservancy of Hawaii supports Bill 270 to establish the Hawaii
Island Land Protection Fund.
Our focus on the Big Island has been the conservation of native ecosystems and critical
watershed lands and, more recently, the sustainable management of coastal and nearshore
resources. We have approached this objective through a combination of strategies,
including land acquisition and management, and through partnerships with private
landowners, local communities, and with Federal, State and county government.
Yet, we are painfully aware that much more needs to be done.
Creation of a dedicated land protection fund from property tax income is a proven
strategy that is good for the environment AND good for the economy. The natural azeas,
cultural sites, open space and scenic vistas on this island are the attributes on which
tourism and our quality of life depend. This fund is an investment in the future.
A recent poll indicates that residents of the Big Island overwhelmingly favor creation of
the land protection fund. We urge you to support Bi11270 and, thus, provide the
residents with the opportunity to vote on a Charter amendment.
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