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HomeMy WebLinkAboutINDIVIDUAL COMMENT EMAIL - 128979Mori, Ashley From: Sent: Wednesday, October 30, 2019 6:32 PM To:General Plan Subject: SUBJECT LINE: Don't use PONC FUNDS to buy coastal properties AFFECTED-by C:f1MATE CHANGE. Dear County Planners: 3 The Land Fund sets aside 2% of our tax dollars each year to purchase open space, parklands, access, trails, ecosystems and cultural spaces. I am AGAINST USING FUNDS FROM THE PUBLIC ACCESS, OPEN SPACE AND NATURAL--a RESOURCES PRESERVATION FUND (PONC) FOR PURCHASE OF PROPERTY THAT WILL SUBJECT TO COASTAL EROSION OR BE UNDERWATER AS A CONSEQUENCE OF SEA LEVEL RISE BECAUSE: 1) There is already a rigorous process in place for the PONC commission to evaluate any lands that are proposed by the public. Properties impacted by climate change, sea level rise or coastal erosion can be proposed and evaluated according to the commission's process that has been in place since 2006. 2) These lands will not be usable by the public and of no public benefit so public funding should not be used. 3) The PONC funding can be better used for other purchases. 4) The 2% Land Fund has been very successful with the criteria established in the charter that was approved by voters 3 times: Monies in this fund shall be used solely to: a. (1) Purchase or otherwise acquire lands and easements in the County of[sEP]Hawai`i for public outdoor recreation and education, including: i. (A) Access to beaches and mountains; [Apj ii. (B) Preservation of historic or culturally important land areas and sites; [sEw iii. (C) Protection of natural resources, significant habitat or eco- systems, jskp]including buffer zones; [ski.] iv. (D) Preservation of forests, beaches, coastal areas, natural beauty and [s ip]agricultural lands; and [Ii} v. (E) Protection of watershed lands to preserve water quality and water{sEp]supply. PLEASE DELETE THIS PROPOSAL FROM THE GENERAL PLAN UPDATE! 1 128979 The General Plan, p. 30, contains this proposal: 36. 1.38 Amend Charter to revise land acquisition and preservation regulations and criteria PONC) to include lands impacted by climate change or those with beneficial attributes for climate adaptation and mitigation. Mahalo! 2