HomeMy WebLinkAboutComm No 0021.035 - Testimony - CA-7 - PONC fund and Maintenance fundFrom: Heloise Lochman <Lochman@hawaii.rr.com>
Sent: Tuesday, January 1, 2019 11:33 AM
To: Charter Commission
Subject: Funding for open space
Aloha, Commissioners.
We are appalled that once again the open space land fund is under threat from politicians seeking to balance the Big
Island budget. One of their arguments is that the land fund on our island is much bigger than those on Maui and Oahu.
Well, yes! Have you been to Maui and Oahu lately? Is that what we want for our island?
I believe the public has voted more than once to keep the land fund at 2%. This is so important for the future of our
unique island. Haven't I read in the West Hawaii Today that there is money in this fund that isn't being used? I support
hiring a dedicated staff member to administer the program.
If the land fund is unequivocally off the table as a source of county budget money, the budget will still get funded, the
money will be found from somewhere. Please respect the wishes of the voters and do not allow this important voter -
mandated fund to be plundered. And please use some of the funds to create a position for a dedicated staff member to
take care of the fund.
Thanks for your consideration, Chris and Heloise Lochman Kona, Hawaii
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Comm. No. 21.35