HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0063.008 2006-2008 Page 1 of 1
Murashige, Laura . _ _
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From: Kaleopono [kaleopono@wave.bicv.net]
Sent: Tuesday, January 16, 2007 10:50 PM ~~3i 1$ $
To: counciltestimony@co.hawaii.hi.us
Subject: 2% land conservation set-aside fund -
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I support ammendment of the Public Access and Open Space Ordinance so that two percent of all real property
tax collections will be deposited to the fund on a prorata basis from the date of the election in November, 2006,
when the voters established the two percent set-aside for land preservation.
While this two percent set-aside was not part of the 2005-2006 Hawaii County budget, the purpose for which the
fund exists was acknowledged by prior ordinance and a smaller set-aside was in fact included in the
aforementioned budget. Last November the voters in effect asserted that the amount that had been allocated in
the budget by the County Council is not sufficient, and mandated that it be increased. In fact, the voters overruled
the prior budget decision of the Council, and their November decision must be implemented expeditiously by the
Council.
The $20 million surplus projected for the current year budget shows clearly that the necessary funds are
available, provided the Council has the will to allocate a portion of the budget surplus to bolstering the Public
Access and Open Space preservation fund. Please summon the will to do so. Preserving access to land for the
public's benefit is very important and time is of the essence. Procrastination and delay is likely to result in more
priceless lands being permanently lost to the use and enjoyment of all Hawaii County residents.
Steve 'Kaleopono' Norris
55-3330 Akoni Pule Highway
Hawi, HI 96719
808-889-1094 Hawaii
Comm. No.~
Ref. To: PrasaNa6
Ref. Date~~ 2001
1/17/2007