HomeMy WebLinkAboutComm No 0003.01.39 - Testimony - Ad Hoc - PONC fund and Maintenance fundFrom: Malie Larish <malielarish@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, December 11, 2018 7:41 AM
To: Charter Commission
Subject: Please Strengthen the Land 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 $27 million, 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 Island's 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.
Malie Larish
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Comm. No. 3.1.39