HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0208.096 2004-2006
MR'Y-12-2005 01:g1 PM F,
® Conservation Council for Hawaii
May 12, 2005 _
Members of the Hawaii County Council _
25 Aupunl Street
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Via Facsimile Transmittal: 808 961-8912
808 329.4786
Dear County Council Members,
Aloha! On behalf of the Conservation Council for Hawaii, I am writing to ask you to support BIII
78, which would set aside 2% of property-tax collections to buy land and preserve scenic and
culturally important areas. Preserving open space, natural areas, and culturally significant areas is
one of the most Important legacies you could establish as an elected official.
Bill 78 complements the Legacy Lands Act -adopted by the state legislature this past session - am
policies in Meul and Kauai counties. Together, these state and county initiatives will ggo far to
preserve our precious beaches and coastal areas, watersheds and native forest, habitatior rare and
endangered species, historic and cultural sites, public access, and traditional gathering areas.
Everyone remembers a special natural place where they played as a child. For me, it was "the
river," a native stream and swimming hole with 'o'opu and 'apae. That stream has since been
dammed and channelized as part of a flood control project to protect subdivision homes. As our
land continues to be developed for housing, resorts, and other commercial purposes, it is essential
that we set aside open spaces, native ecosystems, and Important cultural lands for our residents ar: i
visitors to enjoy.
Future generations should be able to experience the wide open coastal and native forests that we
have Inherited from past generations. And our visitors declare in survey after survey that their
number one concern is the protection of open coastal areas. A dedicated fund for land acquisition
and conservation on the Big Island wtll work year in and year out to help protect Hawaf'i as we
know and love it.
Please support Bfll 78. Mahalo nui loa.
Sincerely,
Marjogler
Executive Director
7~ T T'~ WnrkJng Todryr jnr tke Nature nJ Tomorrow!
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Telephone/Fux AOR.S93.11255 • email: inPo(aiaonzervcld.urg • web; www!diconservchi.orR
P.O. Box 2923 • Honolulu, HI %602.Offiee: 250 Ward Aw., Suite 217 • Honolulu, HI 96814
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