HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0169.005 1998-2000 Robert H. Laird, :?':L, f~AAP
76-6225 Kuaki*ti .r-lwy
Suite C-101.
t, Kailua-Kona, T'.I'.'o740 i~ ~
...Rhone' 808 329-7067; SAX: 808 326-41>7; email: konairondoc@prodigy.net v ~ ~
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To: Councilman Curtis Tyler
Chair, Committee on Human Sen2ces and >;conomic Development ~ - -
v
Re: Bill 43 ~
Date: March 11,1999 ~
Thank you for the opportututy to provide testimon.~ r.garding Cotnmunication 169
recommending amendments to Article 25 of the `3ac:~aii County Coda I am currently
President of the Boazd of Family Support Services of WH and have been a practicing
pediatrician for 30 years, the last 20 years in Kona. Ass Board President I have had a
chance to see first hand the value of the fiutdin~ pro~~ded by the County to non-profits. I
am aware that the County is not required by its ,hat ier to provide health and human
services to iu citizens. However, through cazefull} targeted funds the County can make a
tremendous amount of difference to citizens of Llaw~ii Island with a relatively small
amount of public dollars. I understand that the cure~nt proposal is to clarify language in
the event of a decrease in property tax collections. support the intent to clarify, however
I am also aware that when the property tax isst~.e is ou the table amendments may be
attached which could resuh in elimination of funding for non-profit agencies.
I was very impressed by the commitment to fiscal responsibility, intelligent questions,
and attention to detail exemplified by the County council members who visited Family
Support Services in order to ravicw our request for fimding. this past week. I strongly
urge the County to continue its cormitment to support the citizets of our County through
tazgeted focused support for human services. It of;rn appears that state public funding
does not take into account some of the unique qu~lites of Hawaii County which include,
isolation, rural communities, high unemployment and the lack of reliable public
transportation to access services provided only ;ll ~ iJ.o> Kona, or Waimea At the County
level we aze better able to know where additional suunott is most needed.
Thank you again for your careful consideration o° r
tinily Support Services of West
Hawaii.
Aloha,
Robert H. aird, MD
Comm. No. ' 6 1 • ~O S
Fl'le Na. /t1 D/H
Ref. To: Prw~nf°d Fi 5 EDC.
Ref. Date 3- r 6- 9 q