HomeMy WebLinkAboutComm No 0003.01.31 - Testimony - Ad Hoc - PONC fund and Maintenance fund
Aloha Charter Commission members!
Please do not cut the land fund! Citizens have proposed 180 properties and only 14 have been
acquired. We believe the County should have a dedicated staff member who works ONLY on the 2%
Land Fund Program. We believe that this would result in more properties being acquired, more matching
funds being obtained and more stewardship grants being awarded.
In the last 14 years, 4,400 have been acquired on the Big Island for a cost of $27million, one third of
which was from matching funds. There is one more property that should close soon in Ka’u which is 2,200
acres. The land fund is working to preserve Hawaii Islands treasured lands. In addition please keep the
covenant which protects these lands in perpetuity that says:
“This property (or easement) was acquired with money from the Public Access, Open Space and Natural
Resources Preservation Fund. It shall be held in perpetuity for the use and enjoyment of the people of
Hawai’i County and may not be sold, mortgaged, traded or transferred in any way.”
Mahalo for your kokua to save our treasured places.
Sincerely,
Cheryl Ginter (aka Jasmine)
Mountain View, Hawai’i