HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOMM. 228 Adams, K - Oppose Land FundFebruary 16, 2010
OPPOSITION TO LAND FUND CA-15
I am writing in opposition to CA-15, in any form. I do not believe the charter is the place to include
such a specific special fund because the charter is meant to be broad, it ties the county's hands
financially in tough economic times, and because only 30.1% of the voters in Hawaii County
approved the ballot question in 2006.
First, the charter is meant to be a broad document to guide the function of county
government. There is already a provision in the charter that permits the creation of special
funds. It is a broad provision, which is meant to get more specific though ordinances passed by
the county council. The charter IS NOT the place for such a provision.
Second, a charter provision would not allow the county to be financially flexible in tough
economic times because the charter may only be amended or suspended by a vote of the
public. In down economic times, this fund in the charter would essentially say to the public that
purchasing real estate is more important that public safety, sanitation, roads, and other
government services. This is because the money for this fund will come off the top, before all
other budget allocations are made. In tough economic times, the county should focus on core
services and not a "nice to have" fund like the land fund.
Third, only 30.1% of the voters in Hawaii County approved the land fund in 2006. In her
recent letter to the West Hawaii Today, Debbie Hecht stated that "63% of us" approved the 2%
land fund in 2006. This is plainly erroneous and misleading. A quick view of the state election
results in 2006 will show that 27,566 voters voted in favor of the land fund and 16,135 voted
against, with 4,780 blank votes. The actual percentage in favor is 56.8% of the votes cast on that
ballot question. This is much lower than the 63% stated by Debbie Hecht. In 2006, there were
91,596 registered voters in Hawaii County. The actual number in favor is a mere 30.1% of the
total number of registered voters. This is a far cry from saying it was overwhelmingly approved.
Thus, I strongly urge the charter commission to reject CA-15 and not move it to the ballot. Thank
you for your consideration.
Ken Adams
Hawaii County