HomeMy WebLinkAboutComm No 0003.01.45 - Testimony - Ad Hoc - PONC fund and Maintenance fundHAWAII COUNTY CHARTER COMMISSION 1:30 P.M. DECEMBER 14, 2018
WEST HAWAII CIVIC CENTER
TESTIMONY FROM SUSAN DURSIN, SOUTH KONA
Aloha Chair Adams and Commission Members:
My name is Susan Dursin. I am speaking today on my own behalf. While I appreciate the work of the
Charter Commission, I also want to thank members of the PONC Commission. Their work in carrying out
the voters' wishes is much appreciated.
I am opposed to reducing or capping amounts for land acquisition. Voters who passed the PONC
Charter amendments had the long view. They were not thinking in ten or twenty year horizons. They
wanted protected open space for future Big Island residents, and they were willing to spend certain
amounts to that end.
Yes, the fund may accumulate, but having a large amount available, and having it protected in
perpetuity allows the purchase of favored, highly valuable property when it becomes available. It also
ensures interest in matching funds.
I ask that the Ad Hoc Committee continue their review of Charter provisions relating to PONC. The
report includes no interviews with members of staff, commission members, groups applying for
maintenance funding, or organizations with land conservation experience. Much can be learned by
continuing the review, especially about process.
There is no doubt that PONC could be administered more effectively. It was clear early on the Parks and
Recreation had their hands full, besides having a bias that does not necessarily favor PONC. Moving
PONC to Finance would be an improvement. The fact remains, however, that there is no one with the
time and authority to focus on negotiating land purchases, monitoring maintenance and management,
and setting up matching funds. PONC badly needs staff, dedicated wholly to PONC. They can be paid
out of PONC funds.
Once again, I thank you for your service on the Charter Commission, and thank you for considering my
testimony.
Comm. No. 3.1.45