HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOMM. 157 FoPF - Land Fund Friends of Puna’s Future
P.O. Box 1959, Pahoa, HI 96778 808-965-1555
Date: Jan. 19. 2010
To: CoH Charter Commission
Subject: In favor of CA-15
We respect and appreciate the intention of the Charter Commission to move CA-15 forward
to the voters and that the modification from 2% to 0.5%, if approved in November, would
place a “floor” of 1/2% under the Land Preservation Fund in a durable way.
We have heard elected officials (Guy Enriques for example) ask publicly if the 2% Land
Fund which passed in 2006 would pass in 2010 considering the change in circumstance in
our county’s finances. By approving CA-15 for the ballot that question can be answered.
We do encourage you to approve CA-15.
It would be our preference that the voters be asked to re-endorse the original premiss of
2%. Despite the argument from the Department of Finance for “flexibility” if we had to
make a decision on asking the voters to reconsider the 2% Land Fund or to consider a
different, new proposal we think that changing the amount funded will cause a high degree
of confusion.
Believe me, FoPF understands that CA-15 as written does in no way prevent the county
from setting aside 2% or 3% or 5%. The half percent is a minimum. We know that. As a
minimum we think 0.5% it is too low and should at least double but the heart and soul of
our testimony here is that by the hands and hearts of the community in 2006 the 2% Land
Fund was passed into law. The 2% Land Fund is a known and understood entity. It does
not at this time require further introduction. The 2% Land Fund has a familiar face. CA-
15 as a 0.5% Land Fund will be a puzzling befuddlement. Voters will ask and wonder, as
people do now: How did 2% become 0.5%? Is $1 million enough money to feel like a
meaningful effort to preserve cultural, ocean and mountain access is underway? Who is
fiddling with the dials?
You Commissioners will know that the recalculated Land Fund is intended to be a base
amount. The Director of Finance will know this. FoPF will know this. The voters will not.
FoPF supports approval of CA-15 in it’s original title and capacity.
Sincerely, Rob Tucker, president