HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0915.001 2004-2006
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KONIA-KOIIALA 75-5737 Kuakini Hwy., Suite 208
CHAMBER Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Phone: 808-329-1758 Fax:808-329-8564
OF COMMERCE www.kona-kohala.com info@kona-kohala.com
April 25, 2006
Stacy Higa, Chair
Hawaii County Council
25 Aupuni Street -
Hilo, HI 96720
Re: Support Initiative to Dedicate 2% of Hawaii County Real Property Tax Collections
for Acquisition of Lands for Open Space and Cultural Purposes
Dear Chair Higa,
The Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce strongly supports dedicating an annual portion
of the Island's real property tax revenue toward the purchase of public lands. In that
regard we support placing the proposed 2% Initiative, which dedicates 2% of existing
real property taxes to the Open Space Fund and also removes the current cap imposed
on the Fund, on the November ballot. We feel we must protect our natural and cultural
lands now, before our treasured areas disappear forever. We must protect our
watersheds, coastal waters, native Hawaiian cultural and historic sites, forests and
agricultural lands. Our quality of life and our children's future are at stake. Thousands of
visitors enjoy our island each year. We support tourism as a sustainable industry and
realize that our natural resources are the foundation for these businesses.
We ask that County Council members support the 2% Initiative. We intend to educate
our members about this Initiative and will encourage area residents and businesses to
collect signatures in order to bring this issue before the voters on November 7, 2006.
The Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce is the business voice of West Hawaii. We
represent over 700 member businesses. Please place this issue on the ballot and let
Hawaii County voters decide.
Sincerely,
Val &Wj, v
Eric Von Platen Luder, President
Cc: Riley Smith, Environmental Committee Chair
Conan No. 1
Ref. Tor h 1'161
Rel. Dote