HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0620.065 2002-2004
To the Hawaii County Council: ,a 21~
I am here to speak in support of ah Ordinance to put on the ballot an amendment
to the County Charter to allow the voters to decide if the County should allow a certain
percentage of property taxes to be kept as a trust fund to help preserve and protect lands
that may be lost for the public.
I have lived here for over 40 years, about 30 years ago the County was able to
save and purchase lands along the shoreline in my neighborhood of Leleiwi-Keaukaha with
matching federal funds. This area would have been lined with concrete high rises causing a
terrible impact of loss of public parks, huge increases in traffic and loss of access to the
shoreline for the people of Hawaii. This area is highly used presently because it is the only
safe shoreline area for this side of the island. This includes Carlsmith and Richardson
Parks. There aze also about 20 acres that are in wilderness here which is unique and a
quiet refuge in our busy lives. We have committed community volunteers keeping access
trails open and these places of refuge open for the public.
This Trust Fund for public lands is like saving money in a savings account to help
in the future to acquire matching federal funds for crucial, precious azeas along the
shoreline and mountains. Money will always be needed for more roads and maintenance in
the County. Now it is crucial when the developers have discovered this Is?and, this last
place of unspoiled beauty, to be prepared to preserve our last wild and scenic places
before it is too late.
Let the voters decide to set asideiY-2% of property taxes collected for purchase of
open space, park lands and historic sites. It won't set a precedence for future such
amendments because this is not an easy process to go through. Also the Council should
decide soon so the issue could be put on the November ballot.
Jan Moon, Leleiwi Community Association, Sierra Club
121 Lokoaka St.
Hilo, Hawaii 96720 phone: 935-3475
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