HomeMy WebLinkAboutComm No 0024.044 - Testimony - CA-9 - staff for PONC fund and Maintenance fundCounty of Hawaii
Charter Commission
West Hawaii Civic Center
January 25, 2019
Re: Communication 24.38 for Charter Amendment 9, Draft 2
Aloha Charter Commissioners,
I am writing to express my strong support for Communication 24.38 Draft 2 which would use
PONC Fund Land Fund monies to fund a staff position dedicated to the management of the
PONC Fund.
The people of Hawaii have voted repeatedly to support the PONC Fund and its current structure
by a clear majority, and this voting record demonstrates the strong conservation and
environmental ethics of Hawaii's residents and voters.
Although the PONC Fund has had great success on Hawaii Island in acquiring thousands of
acres of unique and irreplaceable properties, the PONC Fund would greatly benefit from having
a dedicated staff position designed to only focus on work directly related to the Fund. Since
2004, only 14 properties have been acquired through the fund, even though considerably more
have been proposed. By funding a position dedicated to the efficient management of this
extremely valuable resource, the County and its citizens will enjoy the benefit of having more of
Hawaii's treasured lands preserved and protected, in addition to acquiring more matching funds
and stewardship grants that serve to amplify the good work that the PONC Fund is intended to
do.
Finally, we must also ensure that any lands purchased via the PONC Fund continue to be
protected in perpetuity by preserving the current language which states the following. "This
property (or easement) was acquired with money from the Public Access, Open Space and
natural Resources Preservation Fund. It shall be held in perpetuity for the use and enjoyment of
the people of Hawaii County and may not be sold, mortgaged, traded or transferred in any way."
Mahalo and thank you for your support of Hawaii Island's treasured places.
c)?15gacrs
Leslie Cole -Brooks
Attorney at Law
P.O. Box 77
Papaaloa, HI. 96780
leslie@tole-brooks. com
Comm. No. 24.44