HomeMy WebLinkAboutComm No 0003.01.42 - Testimony - Ad Hoc - PONC fund and Maintenance fundTo: Chairman Douglass Adams and Members of the Hawai'i County Charter Commission
From: Deborah Chang, kulaiwioutlook.com
Date: December 13, 2018
SUBJECT: Proposed Changes to the 2% Land Fund
The "2% Land Fund" and its various amendments have been reviewed and approved by a
majority of the voters of Hawai'i County three times! I find it insulting to the voters that effort
is underway to undermine the will of the voters by (1) attempting (again) to reduce the
percentage being set-aside for the 2% Land Fund; (2) exposing the much-needed Maintenance
Fund to political machinations by moving it out of the County Charter and into the Hawai'i
County Code; and (3) making it possible for the County to sell lands that are acquired through
the years -long, arduous process of successfully using the 2% Land Fund.
What appears to be a surplus of funds is an illusion. It's not that the accumulated funds are
excessive and unneeded. Rather, the administration of the funds has been so awkward, that
utilization of the funds is excessively delayed. Those of us who are willing to help via well-
established and stable 501(c)3 community-based organizations are confused as to how to
effectively apply for these funds. It can be very discouraging when there is no single, contact
person within the County administration to answer questions and respond in a timely manner.
Maintenance of land is a complex, multi -faceted responsibility, and partnering with stewardship
groups involves additional administrative responsibilities. If effective partnerships are to
develop between the County and stewardship groups, greater effort needs to be placed in
training (staff and the partners), additional equipment, and legal services.
As for opening the possibility of the County selling lands that are acquired through the 2% Land
Fund, this would have a chilling effect on land trusts and other donors that have been so
generous in contributing the matching funds that have been crucial to final acquisitions.
In summary, the 2% Land Fund needs to be more effectively utilized and not reduced.
Inadequate administration of the program is resulting in excessive delays and surplus funds. It is
quite possible that existing County staff is ill-equipped to meet the added responsibilities of
managing what may need to be a separate program with its own staff.
Mahalo for the opportunity to comment on this important concern.
Comm. No. 3.1.42