HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0193.027 2008-2010
Preserving the North Kohala Coast
The six North Kohala nonprofit organizations and groups signing this letter represent nearly 400
families in North Kohala. We urge you to honor what the people of this Island voted into law -
preserve the 2% fund and continue to make deposits to this fund and use it to purchase and
preserve our precious open spaces.
The 2% fund is the only source of County funding that is dedicated to preserving those resources
that are required to move our Island economy towards sectors that are less effected by national
and global economic trends and towards sectors that are more sustainable and that circulate and
re-circulate money on this Island. We need more knowledge based, science and research based,
and more agricultural based activities and open space is required for all of these more sustainable,
diversifying economic activities.
Even if we don't look forward towards more sustainable economic activities, the Island's current
largest income sources are directly related to the intact natural environment and beauty of the
Island's open space: tourism, ag, and scientific programs 8.9. The Hawaii Tourism Authority states
that what sets Hawaii apart from other destinations, why we even appeal to most tourists, why they
spend their money here, is our natural environment and Hawaiian culture, which is inseparable and
integrated with the natural resources10.
Data from around the country show that those communities that have actively preserved open
space have robust economies and greater, long-term economic stability'. And, importantly, this
economic strength is directly related to the higher quality of life that open space provides for every
community member 2-7.
In economic terms, open space is a non-depreciating, non-reproducible asset with increasing
benefits over time It assists to control the costs of government 1,12-18. Open space contributes
more in taxes than it uses in tax-supported services, while costs to service residential and
commercial development usually exceed these areas' contribution to the tax base 12-18. Open
space encourages more cost-efficient development and can, in the long run, lower property taxes
.
while stabilizing local economies 19.20
SIGNIFICANTLY, during these tight economic times, the 2% fund is the only County revenue that
can be leveraged into even greater good and resources through a bond initiative. The 2% fund can
easily pay the interest AND principal on a $50 million bond to buy even more land, bring in more
money to the Island, set the stage for greater sustainability, and tax payers DON'T pay a dime
more. The bond is like a mortgage, we borrow the money to buy significant amount of open
space, and the 2% deposits pay the interest and principal over time, with no additional cost to the
County or taxpayers.
An example of the types of properties that could be purchased around the Island is presented in
the enclosed poster. These properties are prioritized by the Open Space Commission and/or the
County Council for purchase and protection.
The North Kohala coast has the most numerous, intact, pre-contact archeological and cultural sites
in the State. Right now, nearly 300 acres are for sale by three landowners willing to do
conservation sales. This area Pao'o - Kaiholena is ranked highly by the Open Space Commission
(#1 in 2007 and #2 in 2008) and the Council unanimously passed resolutions to purchase these
lands. If the 2% fund is suspended, you put at risk, the future economic foundation of North
Kohala that could have been based on sustainable educational, recreational, and research
activities that honor the natural and cultural resources of the area. Before you consider any
Comm. No.
Z.
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Ref. Date MAR 17 2009
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changes to the 2% fund, we request that you hold public hearings in all districts to hear what the
people have to say and to hear their ideas on how to balance the budget.
Enclosed are 21 references presenting data and information on the financial and economic
benefits of preserving open space.
We may pull out of this current economic crisis by just tightening our belts and holding on, praying
for more tourists, and pumping up the construction industry. But we'll be in crisis again, and
deeper, if we don't, NOW, begin to diversify our local economy with activities less impacted by
national and global trends. Its time to quit talking about sustainability and honoring this Island and
what the people hold dear. It's time to take real action. Land will never be this cheap again. Now
is the time to diversify and preserve the basis for a more sustainable local healthy economy - now
is the time to preserve open space.
Thank you for your consideration and proactive actions.
Aloha,
Fred Cachola Mike Isaacs
Malama Na Wahi Pana O Kohala Kohala Historic and Cultural Preservation Group
Stephanie Naihe Laxton Kanoa Withington
Maika'i Kamakani'O Kohala Kamakani'O Kohala Ohana
Gail Byrne Toni Withington
Malama Kohala Kahakai Hui Lihikai
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References
1. Lerner, Steve; Poole, William, The Economic Benefits of Parks and Open Space, The
Trust for Public Lands, 1999. Within this publication the following references, 2-7, are
specific to the relationship between open space, a high quality of life, and resultant
economic benefits:
2.Timothy Egan, Drawing a Hard Line Against Urban Sprawl, New York Times, 1996.
3.Garvin and Berens, Urban Parks and Open Space, Regional Plan Association and
Quinnipac College Polling Institute, 1995.
4.Centerfor the Continuing Study of the California Economy, Land Use and the California
Economy: Principle for Prosperity and Quality of Life, 1998.
5.ERE Yarmouth and Real Estate Research Corporation, Defining New Limits: Emerging
Trends in Real Estate, 1998.
6.Phyllis Myers, GreenSense, Vol. 3, No. 1, 1997.
7.Sierra Business Council, Planning for Prosperity: Building Successful Communities in
the Sierra Nevada, 1997.
8.County of Hawaii, Research and Development, personal communication, January, 2005.
9.13yme, Gail, personal communication, based on informal survey of Hawaii Island
scientific activities, 2003.
10. Hawaii Tourism Authority, personal communication, July 2004.
11.Krutilla, John V.; and Anthony C. Fisher, The Economics of Natural Environments.
Washington: Resources for the Future, 1975, 1985.
12. Lerner, Steve; Poole, William, The Economic Benefits of Parks and Open Space, The
Trust for Public Lands, 1999. Within this publication the following references, 13-18,
are specific to the relationship open space contributing more to the tax base than it
uses.
13. Burchell, Robert W., at al. Impact Assessment of the Interim State Development and
Redevelopment Plan, Report prepared for the New Jersey Office of State Planning,
Trenton, 1992.
14.6ollier, David, How Smart Growth Can Stop Sprawl: A Fledgling Citizen's Movement
Expands, 1998.
15.1000 Friends of Minnesota, "Joint Senate Committee Listen to Report on Costs of
Sprawl, Minnesota Land Use (electronic newsletter), 1999.
16. Nantucket Land Council, Inc., Balancing Today's Development and Tomorrow's Taxes,
1989. Included in Land Trust Alliance InfoPak Series: Economic Benefits of Open
Space, compiled by Ted Jackson and edited by Rosemary Infante, 1'994.
17.National Park Service, Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program, Economic
Impact of Protecting Rivers, Trails and Greenway Corridors, 1995.
18.Brabec, Elizabeth, On the Value of Open Spaces, Scenic America, Technical
Information Series, Vol. 1 No.2, 1992.
19. Brighton, Deb, Community Choices: Thinking Through Land Conservation,
Development, and Property Taxes in Massachusetts, 1998.
20.Thomas, Holly L., The Economic Benefits of Land Conservation, February 1991.
21. President's Commission on Americans Outdoors, National Park Service, 1995.
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