HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0193.116 2008-2010
Bob Jacobson
I'O Boa 900, Kurtistown, Hawaii, 96760 808-966-8831, jacobs(q?,hawaiianisp.coni
May 20, 2009
To: . Hawaii County Council Chairman Yoshimoto and Members of the Council
Topic: Please vote against Bill 49. Don't de-fund open space.
Aloha Chairman Yoshimoto, Council Members and the public,
I am Former Hawaii County Council Member Bob Jacobson. Mr. Chairman, please honor the intent and the
letter of HRS 92F and the Hawaii County Council Rules and allow me to present my testimony regarding Bill
49 without interruption.
Please vote against Bill 49. Don't de-fund open space. Delaying acquisition of properties identified by the
Open Space Commission will mean losing the opportunity to protect these special jewels for the people of
Hawaii. Because of lower current land values we should be acquiring these properties now rather than losing
opportunities or paying more for them later:
We can meet our financial responsibilities and continue to fund this program. Hawaii County has uncollected
revenues and we fail to tax many properties equitably. Current administrators know that many Resort,
Commercial and Industrial zoned properties have been grossly undervalued in their appraised values for
decades. Some hotel properties have been under appraised by as much as $100 million for many years. Special
interests have gotten a free ride on inaccurately appraised values, while current administrators have made sure
that average homeowners pay their full. share. Appraised values on most owner occupied residential properties
have been current and accurate.
Rather than thwarting the will of the voters during this budget cycle you should work to correct inaccurate and
unrealistically low appraisals on resort, commercial and industrial parcels so that we can continue to fund the
voter approved Open Space Fund and other important governmental functions. Current administrators have
consistently opposed an improved and comprehensive review of all appraised values. Because some landowners
don't pay their fair share, you not able to adequately fund parks, public works, environmental management,
open space and other public projects that are needed. Now that our revenues are down these special interests
want to continue to escape their responsibilities by taking funds from the Open Space Program originally
enacted by public vote rather than paying their fair share.
In conclusion, funding for the Open Space Program is the will of the residents and is fiscally responsible. Please
exercise your policy responsibilities and protect this program by defeating Bill 49. Other methods of addressing
the budget shortfalls are available. For iristance, de-fund (don't eliminate) non-critical vacant positions as
Council Member Dominic Yagong has suggested.
Sincerely,
Former Hawaii County Council Member Bob Jacobson Comm. No 13
Ref. Toe
Ref. Date MAY 2 0 2009