HomeMy WebLinkAboutComm No 0021.061 - Testimony - CA-7 - PONC fund and Maintenance fundJanuary 22, 2019
To: Douglass Adams, Chairperson, and Members of the Charter Commission
From: Rose Schilt
Re: Opposition to CA -7, Draft 2, Proposal to Repeal and Replace Provisions for
PONC Fund and Maintenance Fund
Please do not approve the First Reading of this proposal to change this important
program that helps protect Hawaii's treasured places on this island.
I support continuing the PONC fund at its current level of 2% of property taxes.
Reducing this to .75% would result in diminishing support for applications and
decreased involvement from communities and their participation in this important
governmental process. Ultimately, fewer properties could be acquired, and people
would be discouraged about government, since the majority of voters have twice
voted for PONC. Fewer matching grants could be accessed, bringing fewer dollars
from public and private sources to the table for treasured places on Big Island.
The revenue gains in these vital areas could exceed the value of taxes otherwise
generated on nonprofit, public and private land uses. It would be short-sighted to
undercut such a treasured program that supports statewide planning goals, for short-
term gains. Protected lands are fundamental to the economic, cultural, agricultural,
educational, recreational, youth development and tourism vitality of the island.
This Program currently accesses matching funds from state, federal and private
dollars, a huge contribution to the island, over $9 M over the last decade. The land
fund is working to preserve Hawaii Island's treasured lands. The 'in perpetuity' clause
is vital. PONC is critical to assuring that Big Island plans for a sustainable and healthy
environment for present and future generations.
Please support the will of Hawai'i County voters who in clear majorities have
repeatedly spoken, indicating their enthusiastic support for the Land Fund Program as
a foundation to help protect our treasured Hawai'i 'aina.
Mahalo nui for this opportunity to testify.
Rose Schilt, Member, Board of Directors, Amy B.H. Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden
808-366-6428
Comm. No. 21.61