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County of Hawaii <br />Charter Commission <br />West Hawaii Civic Center <br />January 25, 2019 <br />Re: Communication 24.38 for Charter Amendment 9, Draft 2 <br />Aloha Charter Commissioners, <br />I am writing to express my strong support for Communication 24.38 Draft 2 which would use <br />PONC Fund Land Fund monies to fund a staff position dedicated to the management of the <br />PONC Fund. <br />The people of Hawaii have voted repeatedly to support the PONC Fund and its current structure <br />by a clear majority, and this voting record demonstrates the strong conservation and <br />environmental ethics of Hawaii's residents and voters. <br />Although the PONC Fund has had great success on Hawaii Island in acquiring thousands of <br />acres of unique and irreplaceable properties, the PONC Fund would greatly benefit from having <br />a dedicated staff position designed to only focus on work directly related to the Fund. Since <br />2004, only 14 properties have been acquired through the fund, even though considerably more <br />have been proposed. By funding a position dedicated to the efficient management of this <br />extremely valuable resource, the County and its citizens will enjoy the benefit of having more of <br />Hawaii's treasured lands preserved and protected, in addition to acquiring more matching funds <br />and stewardship grants that serve to amplify the good work that the PONC Fund is intended to <br />do. <br />Finally, we must also ensure that any lands purchased via the PONC Fund continue to be <br />protected in perpetuity by preserving the current language which states the following. "This <br />property (or easement) was acquired with money from the Public Access, Open Space and <br />natural Resources Preservation Fund. It shall be held in perpetuity for the use and enjoyment of <br />the people of Hawaii County and may not be sold, mortgaged, traded or transferred in any way." <br />Mahalo and thank you for your support of Hawaii Island's treasured places. <br />c)?15gacrs <br />Leslie Cole -Brooks <br />Attorney at Law <br />P.O. Box 77 <br />Papaaloa, HI. 96780 <br />leslie@tole-brooks. com <br />Comm. No. 24.44 <br />