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HomeMy WebLinkAboutComm No 0021.066 - Testimony - CA-7 - PONC fund and Maintenance fundFrom: Terri Mulroy <terri.mulroy@gmail.com> Sent: Wednesday, January 23, 2019 3:26 PM To: Charter Commission Subject: Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Fund 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 property tax from 2% to 0.75%, not abolishing or modifying the perpetuity clause, and not transferring administration of the 0.25% 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, Therese Mulroy 1 Comm. No. 21.66