HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0193.067 2008-2010
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Murashige, Laura
From: rstetson[rstetson@earthlink.net] Sent: Tuesday, April 07, 2009 8:09 AM 2099 APR 7 FIN g
To: dikeda@co.hawaii.hi.us; donishi@co.hawaii.hi.us; enaeole@co.hawaii.hi.us; 15
jyoshi'moto@co.hawaii.hi.us; cohmayor@co.hawaii.hi.us; counciltestimony@co h~v~aii.hi.us;,
genriques@co.hawaii.hi.us; bford@co.hawaii.hi.us; kgreenwell@co.hawaii.h' I ' .I_-1-
phoffmann@co.hawaii.hi.us; dyagong@co.hawaii.hi.us; ncrawford@co.hawair.i.t5 = +NAII
Subject: PLEASE VOTE AGAINST BILL 49
Dear Councilors,
I am writing in strong opposition to pulling the 2% Land Fund to balance the Hawaii County's
budget and ask that you vote in opposition to Bill 49. As a member of the Board of Directors of
the Fern Acres Community Association, as well as the Vice President of the Board of Friends
of Puna's Future, I represent many in more than one community in making this request.
The whole point of the 2% initiative is to have dedicated funds available that are NOT affected
by the economic climate - or anything else so that a steady, unceasing acquisition of the Big
Island's open space may occur for the public trust.
In this way may the Big Island remain recognizable throughout time - physically and culturally -
- as "Hawaii". We are counting on you and the Mayor to be FORWARD THINKING, as well as
making wise choices for the immediate concerns of the present.
We ask that you make practical use of the County's audit reports as a guide to where to stop
leaks and re-allocate funds in the County's budget. This is the purpose for which they are
created.-and yet are typically under-utilized.
The flip side of the many difficulties posed by the current economic downturn is an exciting
opportunity to acquire and preserve land and, at the same time, to protect our island from
speculators with little interest in the welfare of this island culture beyond quick economic gain.
The Mayor's office says tourism is the mainstay of our economic future. The acquisition
of land NOW makes economic sense - not only for TOURISM, but for AGRICULTURE.
Preserving lands here for agriculture will only become increasingly beneficial to this island (in
terms of sustai'nability and economics) - AND ALL THE HAWAIIAN ISLANDS - as we
progress through time.
As our representatives, we are asking you to honor the immensity of the public voice that went
into putting the 2% initiative on the ballot and then passing it with a majority of the citizens'
vote. We are asking you to represent us.
Sincerely,
Robin Stetson
Mt. View, Hawaii 96771
Ph: 968-6954 r 9 3 . ( 7
Comm. No.
Ref. To: F'"cated
Ref. Date APR 0 7 2009
4/7/2009