HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0115.035 2008-2010TO: COUNTY COUNCIL 3-02-09
FROM: MARGARET WILLE Waimea 808-887-1419 ~` "'Urf ^I
RE: ANNUAL REPORT OF THE OPEN SPACE COMMISSION !1
PRESERVATION OF THE 2% OPEN SPACE FUND IS FUNDEMENTALLY IMPORTANT
AND BOTH PROTECT AND FUNDING SUPPORT SHOULD BE GIVEN HIGHEST PRIORITY:
1. The 2 % bond was passed as a people's referendum;
2. It is now clearly recognized that access to Hawaii's natural environment is a key foundation to
Hawaii's tourism industry (and becoming more so); and
3. The mission of the Open Space-Access program was a priority item for all of the completed CDPs,
and I here identify relevant provisions of those CDPs and in the General Plan:
WHEREAS, the CDPs passed in 2008 similazly support the objectives of the Open Space -Access
Program and its Funding, for example:
Kona CDP #1 Guiding Principle: "Protect Kona's natural resources and culture". KCDP inside cover.
Puna CDP #1 Theme: Mala I Ka Aina "The theme of Mala I Ka Aina encompasses all aspects of the
natural and cultural environment, seeking to preserve and perpetuate not only the native forests and
geological formations, but also pristine waters, unspoiled, stazlit skies, serene natural habitats, and vestiges
of Puna's historic past." PCDP: pages 2-3.
South Kohala CDP #1 District Wide Policy: "Preserve the Culture and Sense of Place of South Kohala
Communities" and District Wide Policy #5: "Develop Guidelines and Programs that Promote
Environmental Stewardship and the Concept of Sustainability" SKCDP pages 47 and 51.
North Kahala CDP: Strategy: 1.2: "Acquire coastal lands that should be preserved as open space".
WHEREAS the 2% Land Fund is the primary existing funding vehicle these critical objectives. For
example, the North Kohala CDP states: "The County of Hawaii Public Access, Open Space and Natural
Resources Preservation Commission, or the `2% for the Land Fund' was created in 2005 for the specific
purpose of protecting open space through the use of 2% of property taxes ....The basic idea is that the `2%
Funds' would be applied to form an Open Space Bond. Recent research indicates that the 2% Fund could
cover the principle and interest on a $50 million bond, so that taxpayers would have no additional costs, but
more properties could be purchased by leveraging the 2% fund. " NKCDP page 29.
WHEREAS, the County Genera( Plan supports the objectives of the 2% Open Space Fund. For example:
Natural Resource Policy: Encourage an overall conservation ethic in the use of Hawaii's resources by
protecting, preserving, and conserving the critical and significant natural resources of the County of
Hawaii." HCGP page 8-5 policy (i)
Recreation Policy: "Adopt an on-going program of identification, designation, and acquisition of azeas
with existing or potential recreational resources, such as land with sandy beaches and other prime areas for
shoreline recreation in cooperation with appropriate governmental agencies." Policy "k".
Economic Objective: "The expansion of tourism should include careful planning to identify, promote and
preserve the island's unique resources. " HCGP page 2-7 "Visitor Industry"
Natural Beauty Objective: "Hawaii's natural beauty is both an irreplaceable asset and a part of the public
trust.... Measures must be taken to insure its protection, both now and in the future, for the enjoyment of
Hawaii's residents and visitors." HCGP page 7-1
For these reasons numerous other funding sources should be considered before abandoning this Open
Space program and its funding source: e.g. impact fees, many available grants that aze not being sought, e.g
under the certified local govement program initiatives, allowing for high stakes bingo, streamlining road
work contracts and stop contracting out work that can bedone in-house, etc etc etc.
IN CONCLUSION. PLEASE DO NOT TAKE FROM THE OPEN SPACE TRUST FUND
Gomm. No. ~ ~S~
Ref. To:Presouto~V-I
Ref. Date ~ R ~