HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0193.079 2008-2010
Aloha Chairman Yoshimoto and Council Members!
So, it looks like the Mayor is going to force the citizens of Hawaii Island to get a
charter amendment to save our land fund like they did in Honolulu. (article from
Honolulu Advertiser of Apr. 14, 2009). Well, that may not save our 2% fund right
now, but it's obviously going to be necessary since Kenoi seems to have a problem
with democracy, despite his campaign promises of openness, fairness, etc. OR
maybe you all would take it back to the people before the people demand a charter
amendment?
There are SO many reasons to preserve and continue contributing into the 2%
Land Fund; you've heard them all, no doubt. It's obvious that at the moment, we
don't have the dollars to develop these park properties, but we can buy the land;
thereby saving it from development, and develop them later. This is called
landbanking a word we need to begin using, as it makes so much sense.
Kenoi's suggestion of withholding funding of the 2% Fund is only 1 % of the entire
budget. How short-sighted can anyone be? That is hardly worth even considering,
when one looks at the larger picture.
You, the Council need to show respect for us, 57% of your constituents, who
worked so diligently and voted to get this fund in place. We don't want to be
developed like Maui.
I urge you to take a longer view than just balancing the budget for this one year.
Open lands do not require expensive government services. You can encourage the
mayor to find lots of different ways to fund the deficit; you've heard lots of good
ideas and probably have some yourselves.
Please support us and the Land Fund. You have every right to tell the Mayor what
you want in the budget now is the time to do so.
To quote a writer of a letter-to-the editor last week - "Keep your paws off our
money, Mister Mayor."
Marjorie Erway
PO Box 2807
Kailua-Kona, HI 96745
324-4624
comm. No. 113.19.
Ref. To: G4w?16d
Ref. Gate APR 2 2 2009