HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0193.095 2008-2010
2009 (CRY 15 PIN 9 57
May 20, 2009 CCAJCi.:f
Y 11
Chairperson J Yoshimoto & Members
Hawaii County Council
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Re Bill No 49 (Relating to the 2% Open Space Fund)
Dear Chairperson Yoshimoto and Members of the Hawaii County Council.
Thank you for this opportunity to testify in support of Bill No. 49.
On behalf of myself and the approximately 4,500 Hawaii Island residents who are members of the ILWU Local 142,
we support Mayor Billy Kenoi in his decision to suspend the transfer of 2% of the real property tax revenue to the
Open Space Fund.
This is a temporary measure as it is propsed during the current difficult economic times. It is something that must be
done to avoid the more drastic steps of job or pay cuts, furloughs, cuts in services, or increases to real property
taxes.
As much as we support the concept of acquiring open space land, we need to ask ourselves: What is more
important-putting money aside into a fund or keeping our communities going?
During these tough economic times, the citizens of our communities depend more on government and the demand
for services increases. Shall we cut services so we have more funds to buy open space land? With regard to job
cuts, pay cuts, and furloughs-shall we cut jobs so that we have more funds to buy open space land? Think of the
poor lay person-what if it were YOUR job being cut or YOUR spouse who takes a pay cut? Would YOU be able to
tighten your belt to survive and still be able to pay rent/mortgage, buy food to feed your families, etc.?
I was one of the 57% who voted for this Fund in the 2006 election. If it were on the ballot today, however, my vote
would be "no".
I and the approximately 4,500 ILWU members that we represent support Mayor Kenoi in his quest to suspend the
transfer of 2% of the real property tax revenue to the Open Space Fund.
We support Bill No. 49. Thank you.
Sincerely,
ILWU LOCAL 142, HAWAII DIVISION
Richard Baker, Jr.
Hawaii Division Director Q
Comm. No. •-/S
howu Ref. To:
Ref. Data MAY 2 ZGQ9