HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOMM. 215 Schroeders - Oppose 2% Land FundFebruary 12, 2010
Do Not Support 2% Land Fund Set-Aside as a Charter Amendment
Dear Charter Commission Members,
We are prompted to write this email by a letter to the West Hawaii Today
from Debbie Hecht, Land Fund Campaign Coordinator, published February
10, 2010. While we support the need to protect Hawaii lands through public
ownership, we must recognize that the 2% open space purchase vote was
passed when economic times were much better. In today's time of budget
shortfalls and threatened public safety cutbacks, tax increases, and utility
rate hikes, we simply cannot afford it.
We do not support a County Charter amendment to enforce the 2% set-
aside which will tie the hands of the County government to manage the
budget. While the half-percent set-aside may be reasonable compromise,
please consider that these tough economic times may continue for some
time and possibly get worse before they get better. Once the economy
improves and tourism revenues pick up, the County will be better positioned
to reinstate the full 2% and execute land purchases without increasing
budget deficits, impacting essential services, and/or raising taxes. In the
meantime, we believe that highly valued and vulnerable open spaces can be
effectively protected via zoning and smart development planning.
Thank you.
Mark and Drina Schroeder
Kailua-Kona
808.854.5406