HomeMy WebLinkAboutComm No 0021.039 - Testimony - CA-7 - PONC fund and Maintenance fundCounty of Hawaii
Charter Commission
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Room 1401
Re: Communication 21 for Charter Amendment 7
Aloha Charter Commissioners,
I am writing to express my strong opposition to Communication 21 which would reduce the
amount deposited into the County Land Fund, potentially weaken the access to the maintenance
fund, and delete the provision which currently keeps 2% Lands under the ownership of the
County of Hawaii.
The people of Hawaii have voted repeatedly to support the 2% fund and its current structure by a
clear majority, and this voting record demonstrates the strong conservation and environmental
ethics of Hawaii's residents and voters.
Specifically, Communication 21 seeks to reduce the fund by a significant amount even though
voters continue to express their commitment to land conservation and respect for the unique
environment of Hawaii. If the Charter Commission believes that the fund is underutilized, a
better approach would be to increase the efficiency of the fund management rather than reduce
the overall fund amount. Next, by taking the maintenance fund out from under the protection of
the 2% fund, essential access and maintenance of 2% Lands may be lost contrary to the intent of
the fund and to the commitment to public access and enjoyment. Finally, the county should
maintain the provision which protects 2% Lands from sale or transfer to insure the integrity of
the Land Fund and to continue to encourage matching funds from individuals and organizations
that support conservation. No reasonable group would donate matching funds for land
acquisition only to have the lands sold off and the proceeds sent to the general fund.
The 2% fund serves as a source of inspiration to other states and counties. Please take whatever
steps are necessary to both preserve and improve the 2% Land Fund so that it will continue to
protect pristine legacy lands in Hawaii. Once these special lands are gone, it would be very
difficult to ever get them back again. We're counting on you for your help and guidance and
appreciate your strong support of the 2% Land Fund now and into the future.
Les ie Cole -Brooks
Attorney at Law
P.O. Box 77
Papaaloa, HI. 96780
leslie(cole-brooks.com
Comm. No. 21.39