HomeMy WebLinkAboutComm No 0021.040 - Testimony - CA-7 - PONC fund and Maintenance fundFrom: Diga Kern <23.diga@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, January 8, 2019 6:03 PM
To: Charter Commission
Subject: No on CA7
Aloha,
It is of vital importance that the County continue to purchase and perpetually preserve this island's natural resource
gems. This benefits residents, the visitor industry, and the environment.
I have resided in Hawaii County for 25 years and voted in favor of the Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources
Preservation Fund in 2006, 2010, and 2012.
I am aware that there are budget difficulties due to the recent lava disaster in Puna. Nonetheless, the mandate in the
Open Space law is clear. I urge you to leave things as they are --not reducing the portion of tax to 3/4%, not abolishing or
modifying the perpetuity clause, and not transferring administration of the 1/4% Maintenance Fund to the Mayor's or
the Council's discretion.
The recommendations of the Save Our Lands Citizens' Committee seem prudent and workable. I am one person who is
already volunteering in lower Puna doing restoration work in the Nanawale Forest Reserve. I know of many others. The
PONC lands will be cared for, particularly if the maintenance fund is applied in a judicious and timely manner.
Thank you for remembering the 'aina.
Sincerely,
Geoffrey Kern
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Comm. No. 21.40