HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP FC 086 04/19/2005 2004-2006 REPORT OF THE
COMMITTEE ON FINANCE
DATE: April 19, 2005 Re: Comm. No. 208 /Bill. No. 78
PLACE: Council Chambers
TIME: 9:30 a.m.
Council Chair Higa and Members
Hawaii County Council
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred Bill No. 78, reports as follows:
Bill No. 78, transmitted by Councilmember Bob Jacobson, via Communication No. 208, dated
March 18, 2005, amends Chapter 2 of the Hawaii County Code, as amended, relating to public
access, open space, and natural resource preservation fund. The amendment will create a
permanent funding source to be used for acquiring lands or property entitlements for: land
protection; public outdoor recreation and education, including access to beaches and mountains;
preservation of historical or culturally important land areas and sites; protection of natural
resources, including buffer zones; preservation of forests, beaches, coastal areas and agricultural
lands; protection of watershed lands to preserve water quality and water supply; and public
access to, and enjoyment of public lands and open space.
Mayor Kim submitted written testimony opposing the condition that requires a funding source of
two-percent of the annual real property tax revenues. Numerous communications of support
from the public were also presented. The majority of Councilmembers felt that we cannot afford
to wait and that we need to take the lead on this issue. The estimated appropriation to the special
fund amounts to approximately $3,000,000 per fiscal year.
Your Committee on Finance is in accord with the purpose and intent of Bill No. 78 and
recommends it pass first reading.
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Hues NOES Aae ex Respectfully submitted,
ARAKAKI X
HICA X COMMITTEE ON FINANCE
HOFFMANN X
HOLSCHUH X ? n
IKEDA X /yl'lA1.X.
ISBELL X
~ACOBSON x _ VIR NIA ISBELL, CHAIR
FILACO X FC REPORT NO. 86
SAFARIK x ADOPTED: MAY 0 4 2005