HomeMy WebLinkAboutComm No 0024.045 - Testimony - CA-9 - staff for PONC fund and Maintenance fundJanuary 22, 2019
To: Douglass Adams, Chairperson, and Members of the Charter Commission
From: Rose Schilt
Re: In Support of CA -9, Draft 2, Strengthening the 2% Land Fund Program,
Protecting Hawaii's Treasured Places
I am in full SUPPORT of STRENGTHENING THE 2% LAND FUND PROGRAM.
I support using a portion of the 2% Land Fund monies to fund a staff person who is
dedicated to the administration of the 2% Land Fund Program with the provisions of
Section 10-15 and Section 10-16. This would result in support for more applications,
increased involvement from communities and their participation in government.
Ultimately, more properties may be acquired, more matching funds would be
obtained for local and tourist industry benefit, and more stewardship grants would be
awarded.
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 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, but we can make it more successful by
having a dedicated staff member. We must retain the clause to obtain matching
funds and protect these lands in perpetuity. PONC is vital 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, the majority 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. 24.45