HomeMy WebLinkAboutComm No 0021 - Transmit CA-7Douglass Shipman Adams
Chairperson
Jennifer Leilani Zelko-Schlueter
Vice Chairperson
Date: October 30, 2018
2018-2020
HAWAII COUNTY
CHARTER COMMISSION
To: Members of the Hawai`i County Charter Commission
From: Douglass Shipman Adams, Chair
Hawai`i County Charter Commission
William Carthage Bergin
Michelle Galimba
Paul K. Hamano
Kevin D. Hopkins
Bobby Jean Akane Leithead Todd
Sarah H. Rice
Christopher John Imiloa Roehrig
Marcia A.K. Saquing
Donna Mae Springer
RE: Transmitting CA -7; Proposed Amendment to Section 10-15 and Section 10-16;
Submitted by Commissioner Hamano
Please find attached CA -7, which proposes to amend Section 10-15 and Section 10-16 of
the Hawai`i County Charter (2016 Edition), by repealing and replacing provisions for the
Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Fund and Maintenance
Fund, respectively.
CA -7 will be placed on the November 9, 2018, meeting agenda for its initial
consideration and approval prior to first reading.
Should you have any questions, please contact our Commission Analyst, Jon Henricks.
DSA/jdh
Hawai`i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer
Comm. No. 21
PROPOSAL NO. CA -7
(For Commission Use only)
2018-2020 HAWAII COUNTY CHARTER COMMISSION
CHARTER AMENDMENT PROPOSAL FORM
1, GENERAL INFORMATION
Nance of Commission Member: Paul K. Hamano
2. If applicable, list the Section number(s) of the charter provision(s) to be deleted or amended:
Delete Sections 10-15 and 10-16 of the Hawaii County Charter ("HCC") and replace it with
new terms.
3. Provide a brief description of the purpose of the proposed charter amendment; include
a description of the issue the proposal would address:
The purpose of the proposed charter amendment is to delete Sections 10-15 and 10-16 of
the HCC and replace it with terms that are consistent with the intent and purpose of the
Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation and Maintenance Funds
(hereinafter referred to as the "Public Access Preservation Fund" and the "Public Access
Maintenance Fund."
4. If the proposal is based on a provision(s) in the charter or law of another jurisdiction,
name the jurisdiction and, if possible, attach a copy of the relevant provision(s).
The replacement terms for 10-15 and 10-16 is generally taken from Section 9-19 of the
Maui County Charter. See attached Exhibit "A,"
5. If the proposal is based on any written materials you have, please attach a copy with a
citation to its source.
It is based in part on the Report to the 2018--2020 Hawaii County Charter Commission
which is attached hereto as Exhibit "B."
Form CA -1.
Revised 8/29/I8
1 of 2
See reverse side
6. Attach the text of the proposed charter amendment in Ramseyer format (see below),
Ramseyer Format, if proposing,
Amendments to Existing Charter Provisions
Any language being proposed to be added to the Charter shall be underscored.
Any language being proposed to be deleted from the Charter shall be [breeketed an_d
ttrielke+ ] .
Replacing Existing Charter Provisions in their Entirety
Clearly indicate the article(s), chapter(s), and/or section(s) of the Charter to be proposed
to be deleted, and provide the text of any provisions proposed to replace the deleted
material.
New Charter Provisions
Provide the text of the new provision(s) and, if possible, indicate where in the Charter the
new material should be inserted.
See attached Exhibit "C"
norm CA -1
Revised 8/29/18
2 of 2
Section 9-19. Open Space, Natural Resources, Cultural Resources,
and Scenic Views Preservation Fund,
1
In adopting each fiscal year's budget and capital program, the
council shall appropriate a minimum of one
percent (1%) of the certified real
property tax revenues to a fund known as the open space, natural
resources,
cultural resources, and scenic views preservation fund. The revenues in
this
fund shall be utilized for purchasing or otherwise acquiring lands
or property
entitlements for land conservation purposes in the county of Maui for the
following purposes: public outdoor recreation and education; preservation
of
historic or culturally important land areas; protection of significant habitat or
ecosystems
, including buffer zones; preserving forests, beaches, coastal areas
and agricultural lands; protecting watershed lands to preserve water
quality;
conserving land for the purpose of reducing erosion, floods, landslides, and
runoff; and improving disabled a
nd public access to, and enjoyment of, public
land, open space, and recreational facilities.
2.
Any balance remaining in this fund at the end of the fiscal year
shall not lapse, but shall remain in the fund, accumulating from year to
year.
The revenues in
this fund shall not be used for any purpose except those listed
in paragraph one of this section.
3
The council shall by ordinance establish procedures for the
administration and expenditure of the revenues in this fund. The
appropriations to this fund
shall not substitute, but shall be in addition to, those
appropriations historically made. (Amended 2002)
EXHIBIT " "
REPORT TO THE
2018-2020
HAWAII COUNTY CHARTER COMMISSIOI\
SUBMITTED BY
Ad Hoc Committee on
Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources
Preservation and Maintenance Funds
October 1, 2018
EXHIBIT "F "
Comm. No. 3.1.1
Douglass Shipman Adams
Chairperson
Jennifer Leilani Zellco-Schlueter
Vice Chairperson
October 1, 2018
2018-2020
HAWAII COUNTY
CHARTER COMMISSION
Honorable Douglass Shipman Adams, Chairperson
and Members of the Hawaii County Charter Commission
County ofHawai'i
25 Aupuni. Street
Hilo, HI 96720
William. Carthage Bergin
Michelle Galimba
Paul K. Hamann
Kevin D. Hopkins
Bobby Jean Akane Leithead Todd
Sarah 11. Rice
Christopher John Imiloa Roehrig
Marcia A.K. Sagning
Donna Mae Springer
Dear Chairperson Adams and Commission Members:
Your ad hoc committee an sections 10-15 and 10-16 of the Hawaii County Charter, relating to
the Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation and Maintenance Funds, has
completed its investigation and respectfully submits its report. This report details the
Committee's activities, its findings, and recommendations.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve the Commission in this regard.
Sincerely,
Christop o . rruloa Roehrig
Chaff
Paul K Hamano
Member
ONA)/(ete Donna Mae Springi
Member
Jennifer
Member
nn i Zelko-Schlueter
Hawaii County is an Equal Opportunity provider and Employer
REPORT TO THE
2018-2019 HAWAII COUNTY CHARTER COMNIISSION
L BACKGROUND
A. Scope of Investigation
During its August 10, 2018 meeting, the Charter Commission voted to create an ad hoc
committee "for the purpose of investigating and bringing forth recommendations for
amendments to Charter Sections 10-15 and 10-16." (Minutes, August 10, 2018, pg. 57.) Section
10-15 relates to the Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Fund and section 10-16
relates to the Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Maintenance
Fund.
B. Members and Staff
Commission members Christopher John Imiloa Roehrig, Paul K. Haman, Donna Mae Springer,
and Jennifer Zelko-Schlueter were appointed to the committee with Mr. Roehrig agreeing to
serve as Chairperson.
The following staff assisted the committee during its investigation: Jon Henricks, Commission
Analyst; J Yoshimoto, Commission Attorney; Shannon Magnuson, Commission Secretary;
Leslie Chow, Legislative Specialist, Legislative Research Branch.
Deanna Sako, Director of Finance, and Hanrana Ventura, Property Manager, attended all of the
ad hoc committee's meetings. Maurice Messina, Deputy Director of the Department of Parks
and Recreation attended the September 20 and September 26, 2018 meetings. Roxcie Waltjen,
Parks and Recreation Director, and Reid Sewake, Business Manager attended the September 26,
2018 committee meeting. These administrative staff answered questions and provided
information about the two PONC funds.
II. ACTIVITIES
A. Meetings
The ad hoc committee met on August 20, 2018, August 30, 2018, September 20, 2018, and
September 26, 2018. A meeting scheduled for September 12, 2018 was cancelled and
rescheduled due to Hurricane Lane. All four members attended all meetings, except for Ms.
Zelko-Schlueter who did not attend the August 30, 2018 meeting.
B. Information Provided to the Committee
1. Section 92-2.5(b), HRS, the Sunshine Law's provisions relating to permitted
interaction groups.
Jon Henricks and J Yoshimoto, Commission Attorney, reviewed the provisions of section
92-2.5(b), HRS, of the Sunshine Law, relating to permitted interaction groups. Handout:
Quick Review: Who Board Members Can Talk to and When (Part 3) (August 8, 2018)
-1-
2. Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation - Legislative Context.
A) History of sections 10-15 and 10-16 of the Hawai `i County Charter.
Jon Henricks, Commission Analyst, discussed the history of sections 10-15 and 10-
16. He provided the committee with copies of ordinance 11-94, that initiated an
amendment to section 10-15 of the Charter to create the Public Access, Open Space,
and Natural Resources Preservation Fund and ordinance 12-16, that initiated an
-amendment to the Charter to add a new section creating a Public Access, Open Space,
and Natural Resources Preservation Maintenance Fund.
B) Charter and Code Provisions Relating to Public Access, Open Space, and Natural
Resources Preservation - From the Counties of Hawai`i, City & County of Honolulu,
Kauai, and Maui. (August 2018)
A summary of provisions relating to PONC funds or their equivalents from the
Counties of Hawai`i, City & County of Honolulu, Kauai, and Maui prepared for the
ad hoc committee by the Legislative Research Branch.
This summary showed a range of funding formulas, i.e. percentage of real property
taxes, from the four Counties in Hawai`i:
• Hawai`i: Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Fund -
minimum of 2%
• Hawai`i: Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation
Maintenance fund - .25%
• Honolulu: Clean Water and Natural Lands Fund - .5%
• Kauai: Public Access, Open Space, Natural Resources Preservation Fund -
minimum of .5%
• Maui: Open Space, Natural Resources, Cultural Resources, and Scenic Views
Preservation Fund - minimum of 1%
C) TABLES: Charter and Code Provisions Relating to Public Access, Open Space, and
Natural Resources Preservation - From the Counties of Hawai`i, City & County of
Honolulu, Kauai, and Maui. (September 20, 2018)
Updates tables contained in the summary of provisions from the Counties of Hawai`i,
City & County of Honolulu, Kauai, and Maui submitted to the ad hoc committee at
their August 20, 2018 meeting. Provides additional information relating to fund
balances, estimated real property tax revenue, whether there is a cap on the fund, and
existence of requirements that lands acquired with these funds be held in perpetuity.
Prepared for the ad hoc committee by the Legislative Research Branch, and includes
information supplied by the Finance Department's Property Management Division.
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3. County of Ha wai `i PONC and PONC Maintenance Funds
A) FY 2018-19 approximate annual appropriations to the funds:*
Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation (PONC) Fund:
Over 6 million dollars. (D. Sako - 8/30/18)
Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Maintenance (PONC
Maintenance) Fund:
Close to $800,000. (D. Sako - 8/30/18)
*Annual appropriations to these funds will vary depending on the amount of real
property tax revenues.
B) Balances in the funds:
Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation (PONC) Fund:
$16,301,404 as of 7/31/18 (D. Sako)
Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Maintenance (PONC
Maintenance) Fund:
$2,598,208 as of 8/20/18 (H. Ventura)
4. Properties acquired with PONC funds
A) "County of Hawai '1: Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation
Commission." Brochure provided by County Finance Department, Property
Management Division - lists 13 properties acquired with PONC funds and shows their
locations on a map. Also details commission members, purposes of the commission
and preservation and maintenance funds, and website containing additional
information.
B) County of Hawai`i: Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation
Commission - Completed Acquisition Report (as of August 28, 2018)
Table provided by County Finance Department, Property Management Division -
Adds an additional 14th property, Hale 0 Kaili, that was recently acquired with
PONC funds.
C) County of Hawai`i: Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation
Commission (PONC) - Ad Hoc Charter Committee Steward Grant (as of September
20, 2018)
This table, provided by the County Finance Department, Property Management
Division, indicates that seven stewardship grants have been awarded or are pending
with respect to PONC acquired properties. The total value of grants, awarded or
pending, is $306,894.
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D) The following table includes some of the information about the 14 parcels acquired
using PONC preservation funds from October 2007 through April 2018.
No.
TMK No.
Property
Purpose
Stewardship
Grant
Purchase
Date
Acreage
Size
1
4-8-04:06
Waipi`o
Lookout
B
Yes -
Contract
executed
10/07
1.804
2
9-5-17:07
Kawa
A, B
Yes -
Contract
executed
01/08
234.293
3
5-8-01:11,
19, 20, 24
Kaiholena
A, B
Pending
01/10
151.615
4
5-7-01:05
Pa`o`o
B
Pending
10/10
10.610
5
9-5-16:06,
25; 9-5-
17:05
Kawa Bay
B
Yes -
Contract
executed
10/11
550.871
6
7-7-08:21,
23
Kipapa Park
A
06/13
6.012
7
5-8-
01:21,22, 25
Kaiholena
A, B
06/13
76.615
8
7-3-09:04
`O`oma
A
Pending
12/13
217.566
9
7-7-08:20,
21, 23, 31
Kingman,
White Sands
A, B
02/12
10/14
16.787
10
5-5-15:42
Haw' Banyan
Trees
B
02/15
.911
11
1-3-08:97
Pohoiki Bay
A
11/15
26.762
12
9-5-12:05
Kahua Olohu
B
Pending
06/16
13.000
13
9-2-01:75
Kahuku
A, B
11/16
3,127.950
14
5-3-07:22
Hale 0 Kaili
B
04/18
22.082
TOTAL
4,456.878
Key to Purpose Column
Purposes of PONC acquisitions per subsection 10-15(c) of the Charter:
A Access to beaches and mountains
B Preservation of historic or culturally important land areas and sites
C Protection of natural resources, significant habitat or eco -systems,
including buffer zones
D Preservation of forests, beaches, coastal areas, natural beauty and
agricultural lands
E Protection of watershed lands to preserve water quality and water supply
-4-
Sources:
1) Table - County of Hawai`i: Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources
Preservation Commission - Completed Acquisition Report (as of August 28,
2018)
2) Section 10-15(c)(1), Charter
3) H. Ventura, Property Manager
E) With respect to these parcels:
Total Acreage Acquired: 4,450.8655 acres (approximately)
Total Acquisition Amount (Escrow, Grants, PONC, Private): $39,327,839.75
Total Purchase Amount from PONC fund: $29,893,755.98
Total Property Taxes Removed from Tax Base: $121,818.30
-5-
III. FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
During its first meeting, the ad hoc committee identified a number of topics of interest. The
committee focused its investigation and discussion on these topics during its subsequent
meetings. These topics and the committee's findings and recommendations with respect to these
topics are as follows:
1. Subsection 10-15(a) provides that a minimum of two percent of real property tax
revenues shall be appropriated to the public access, open space, and natural resources
preservation fund. Is this an appropriate figure?
Findings:
A) County appropriations from real property tax revenues in the State of Hawai`i range
from:
Honolulu - 0.5%
Kauai - minimum 0.5%
Maui - minimum 1%
Hawai`i County - minimum 2%.
B) Hawai`i County's rate is by far the highest in the State. Recent fiscal challenges have
demonstrated the need to consider the appropriateness of this minimum 2% rate.
C) Fiscal Impact of Reduction of Hawai`i County's PONC Rate
Upon Core Services (Assuming FY2018-2019 RPT rates)
2%to 1.5%=0.5%
Amount of
Savings
$1,500,000
Core Services that could be
fiiuded with Cost Savings
Example: Police Officers*
15 police officers
2% to 1.0% = 1.0%
$3,000,000
30 police officers
2% to 0.5%= 1.5%
$4,500,000
45 police officers
*Numbers of police officers was used to illustrate the impact on FONC
appropriation amounts on one sector of core services.
D) The FY 2018-19 real property tax estimated revenues of Hawai`i County
($317,000,000) and Maui County ($321,907,576) are comparable. Consequently,
Maui County's rate of a minimum of 1% is worth considering.
Recommendation:
The ad hoc committee recommends that the Commission consider reducing the
percentage of the real property tax appropriated to the PONC preservation fund from a
minimum of 2% to flat rates of either 1% or 0.5%.
Option 1:
Three members of the committee endorsed a reduction to a flat rate of 0.5%.
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Option 2:
One member of the committee endorsed a reduction from a minimum of 2% to a flat rate
of 1%. A portion of this amounting to .75% of the 1% would be committed to the
preservation fund and .25% of the 1% committed to the maintenance fund. This proposal
is incorporated in the proposed revision to sections 10-15 and 10-16 contained in topic
no. 5, on pages 11 to 12.
-7-
2. Subsection 10-15(d) provides that moneys contained in the PONC fund shall not lapse
at the end of any fiscal year and there is no cap on the amount of money that may be
accumulated. (Per subsection 10.16(/)(2), the PONC maintenance fund has a
maximum limit of $3,000,000.) Should there be a cap on this fund?
Findings:
A) Acquisition amounts for the 14 PONC parcels range from $170,880 (Kahua
Olohu) to $10,555,850 (Kaiholena - 7 parcels). There is presently approximately
$16,000,000 in the fund. These funds may be expended only for acquisition of land
or property entitlements, and unless spent for this purpose, shall continue to
accumulate in the fund even if core County services, such as public safety or public
works, are cut due to budgetary shortfalls. A cap on the fund would protect taxpayers
by averting this situation.
B) Alternatively, a mechanism allowing the appropriation to be reduced during times of
unusual fiscal crisis would eliminate the need for a cap on this fund. Inclusion of
factual circumstances that would trigger the ability to reduce the appropriation may
reduce possibilities of abuse.
Recommendations:
The ad hoc committee was divided on this point.
Option 1:
Three of the members endorsed a cap on the fund in an amount equivalent to 2% of the
annual real property tax revenues per year. Appropriations in excess of this amount
would be returned to the County's general fund. Linking this cap to annual real property
tax revenues would assure that the balance in this fund would reflect the state of the
County's economy.
Option 2:
One committee member recommended providing for the option of reducing the
appropriation either when the combined balance of the preservation and maintenance
funds exceeds 2% of the annual real property tax revenue of the fiscal year or during
times of fiscal crisis. This would eliminate the need for a cap. This recommendation is
incorporated in the proposed revision to sections 10-15 and 10-16 contained in topic no.
5, on pages 11 and 12.
-8-
3. Subsection 10-15(1,) provides that lands acquired with PONC funds shall contain a
restrictive covenant that requires such lands be held in perpetuity and may not be sold,
mortgaged, traded or transferred.
Findings:
A) The provision that lands acquired with PONC funds may not be sold, mortgaged,
traded or transferred and thus must be held by the County in perpetuity, creates at
least two major barriers towards management of these lands:
1) It creates formidable maintenance issues for the County. To date the program has
acquired over 4,400 acres of land, with future acquisitions to follow. The County
lacks the personnel and funds to absorb all of these additional parcels into the
inventory of property and facilities that it maintains; and
2) Changes in title to even negligible portions of the parcels that are necessary to
maintain the properties, i.e. for flood control, or to improve access, are foreclosed
by this restriction.
B) Code provisions from Kauai and Maui reflect a different approach that is worth
considering. Subsections 6-14.3(c) through (e) of the Kauai County Code, allow
moneys from their preservation fund to be appropriated to other governmental
entities, nonprofit organizations, or even private owners to acquire interests in
property, own or hold these lands, and manage them, as long as these actions benefit
the public and the lands are protected in perpetuity. Section 3.88.070, Maui County
Code contains similar provisions that authorize granting title to lands, purchased with
funds from their open space fund, to land conservation organizations. Maui County
protects the public's interest by way of perpetual conservation easements. These
arrangements transcend the stewardship grants permitted by section 10-16(h) of
Hawai`i County's Charter and significantly enhance the prospects for maintaining and
improving properties acquired via these special funds.
Recommendation:
The Committee recommended amending section 10-15 to remove impediments to
maintaining and improving these lands, in a manner that assures that the lands will be
preserved for their intended purposes in perpetuity. One Committee member suggested
amending the Charter to provide the flexibility needed to accomplish the objectives of
this program by authorizing the Hawai`i County Council to establish procedures for the
administration and expenditure of the revenues in this fund. The proposed revision to
sections 10-15 and 10-16 contained in topic no. 5, on page 12 incorporates this
suggestion.
-9-
4. Should section 10-16 relating to the PONC maintenance fund be changed?
Findings:
A) Section 10-15(c), of the Charter provides that moneys in the preservation fund shall
be used to:
"(1) Purchase or otherwise acquire lands and easements in the County of Hawaii for
public outdoor recreation and education, including:
(A) Access to beaches and mountains;
(B) Preservation of historic or culturally important land areas and sites;
(C) Protection of natural resources, significant habitat or eco -systems,
including buffer zones;
(D) Preservation of forests, beaches, coastal areas, natural beauty and
agricultural lands; and
(E) Protection of watershed lands to preserve water quality and water supply."
In order to accomplish the purposes listed above, lands acquired through the
preservation fund, must be maintained and improved. Significant financial and
personnel resources are required to accomplish these tasks.
B) Unlike the other Counties, Hawaii County has a separate PONC maintenance fund
that is funded with .25% of real property tax revenue. Section 10-16(g) of the Charter
extensively details permissible uses of this fiscal resource. Notably, this section
prohibits use of these funds for new buildings, facilities, or infrastructure including
roads, paths, ramps, etc. and for mitigation of Americans with Disabilities Act
compliance issues for new buildings, facilities, or infrastructure. Prohibited uses for
these moneys include construction of bathrooms, waterlines, parking, or even storage
facilities for equipment used to maintain these properties by stewardship grantees. To
the extent that such improvements are needed to effectuate the purpose of these land
purchases, these restrictions hinder the progress of this effort.
C) Insufficient fiscal and personnel resources make it difficult for the County and
stewardship grantees to accomplish the purpose of the land purchases program.
Recommendation:
The ad hoc committee recommends that the Charter be amended to facilitate the
maintenance and improvement of lands acquired with PONC funds.
-10-
5. Should sections 10-15 and 10-16 be revised to streamline and clarify its content?
Finding:
Hawai`i County's Charter establishes the County's executive, administrative, and
legislative structure and organization. Language that goes beyond this framework is
typically reserved for inclusion in the County Code or even administrative rules.
Sections 10-15 and 10-16 should be revised to align their contents with the function and
purpose of the Charter.
Recommendation:
One committee member proposed replacing sections 10-15 and 10-16 with the following:
"Section 10-15. Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources
Preservation and Maintenance Funds.
(a) In adopting each fiscal year's budget and capital program, the council shall
appropriate one percent of certified real property tax revenues, 0.75% of
which shall be deposited into a fund known as the public access, open
space, and natural resources preservation fund and the remaining 0.25% of
which shall be deposited into a fund to be called the public access, open
space, and natural resources maintenance fund.
The Council may by a two-thirds vote suspend this appropriation requirement
when:
(1) The combined balance of the preservation and maintenance funds
exceeds 2% of the annual real property tax revenue of the fiscal year;
or
(2) The director of finance determines in writing that the suspension of this
appropriation is necessary to prevent a reduction in the level of public
services.
(b) Moneys in the public access, open space, and natural resources
preservation fund shall be utilized for purchasing or otherwise acquiring
lands or property entitlements for land conservation purposes in Hawai`i
County for:
(1) Public outdoor recreation and education;
(2) Access to beaches and mountains;
(3) Preserving historic or culturally important land areas;
(4) Protecting natural resources, significant habitats, or ecosystems,
including buffer zones;
(5) Preserving forests, beaches, coastal areas, areas of natural beauty,
and agricultural lands;
(6) Protecting watershed lands to preserve water quality and water
supply;
-11-
(7) Conserving land for the purpose of reducing erosion, floods,
landslides, and runoff; and
(8) Improving disabled and public access to, and enjoyment of, public
land, open space, and recreational facilities.
(c) Moneys in the public access, open space, and natural resources
maintenance fund shall be utilized to maintain and improve land or
property entitlements for land conservation purposes in Hawai`i County
acquired pursuant to this section.
(d) The moneys in each fund may also be used for the payment of principal,
interest, and premium, if any, due with respect to bonds issued for the
purpose of this fund and for the payment of costs associated with the
purchase, redemption or refunding of such bonds.
(e) Any balance remaining in these funds at the end of the fiscal year shall not
lapse, but shall remain in the funds, accumulating from year to year.
(f) The council shall by ordinance establish procedures for the administration
and expenditure of the revenues in this fund.
-12-
Delete in its entirety, Sections 10-15 and 10-16 of the Hawaii County Charter,
Replace with an entirely new Section 10-15 with the following:
"Section 10-15. Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources
Preservation and Maintenance Funds.
(a) In adopting each fiscal year's budget and capital program, the council shall
appropriate one percent of certified real property tax revenues, 0.75% of
which shall be deposited into a fund known as the public access, open
space, and natural resources preservation fund and the remaining 0.25% of
which shall be deposited into a fund to be called the public access, open
space, and natural resources maintenance fund.
The Council may by a two-thirds vote suspend this appropriation requirement
when:
{1) The combined balance of the preservation and maintenance funds
exceeds 2% of the annual real property tax revenue of the fiscal year;
or
(2) The director of finance determines in writing that the suspension of this
appropriation is necessary to prevent a reduction in the level of public
services.
(b) Moneys in the public access, open space, and natural resources
preservation fund shall be utilized for purchasing or otherwise acquiring
lands or property entitlements for land conservation purposes in Hawai`i
County for:
{1) Public outdoor recreation and education;
(2) Access to beaches and mountains;
(3) Preserving historic or culturally important land areas;
(4) Protecting natural resources, significant habitats, or ecosystems,
including buffer zones;
(5) Preserving forests, beaches, coastal areas, areas of natural beauty,
and agricultural lands;
(6) Protecting watershed lands to preserve water quality and water
supply;
EXHIBIT '"
(7) Conserving land for the purpose of reducing erosion, floods,
landslides, and runoff; and
(8) Improving disabled and public access to, and enjoyment of, public
land, open space, and recreational facilities.
(c) Moneys in the public access, open space, and natural resources
maintenance fund shall be utilized to maintain and improve land or
property entitlements for land conservation purposes in Hawai`i County
acquired pursuant to this section.
(d) The moneys in each fund may also be used for the payment of principal,
interest, and premium, if any, due with respect to bonds issued for the
purpose of this fund and for the payment of costs associated with the
purchase, redemption or refunding of such bonds.
(e) Any balance remaining in these funds at the end of the fiscal year shall not
lapse, but shall remain in the funds, accumulating from year to year.
(f) The council shall by ordinance establish procedures for the administration
and expenditure of the revenues in this fund.