HomeMy WebLinkAboutComm No 0024.043 - Testimony - CA-9 - staff for PONC fund and Maintenance fundFrom: Marie Morin <mariemorin24@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, January 22, 2019 11:50 AM
To: Charter Commission
Subject: Support for CA -9, Strengthening to 2% Land Fund
I support the strengthening of the 2% Land Fund, not weakening it!. I support using some of the Land Fund monies to
pay for AT LEAST one additional full-time staff person who would be dedicated to ONLY working on the PONC program,
including acquiring property, obtaining matching funds, helping public and non -profits to obtain matching grants and
funding, and help the public and non -profits wade through the formidable forms and applications for the steps required
to be eligible for PONC and other matching funds. Bringing matching funds into Hawaii provides money for a greener
local economy and also keeps Hawaii Island livable and sustainable. I do not want the future Hawaii Island to look like
Oahu, and now is the time to commit lands in perpetuity for conservation, recreation, and open space while we are still
able to afford it. PONC is a wonderful far-sighted program, and especially with an intact Maintenance Fund to help
support the land acquisitions and conservation easements, it supports the future quality of life for our children and
grandchildren.
Marie Morin
Secretary
Friends of Amy B.H. Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden
1
Comm. No. 24.43