HomeMy WebLinkAboutComm No 0029.37 - Testimony - CA-13 - Use of Special Funds in Times of Declared Emergency
THE TRUST FOR PUBLIC LAND’S TESTIMONY IN OPPOSITION TO COMM.
NO. 29: TRANSMITTING CA-13, FOR INITIAL APPROVAL; PROPOSAL TO
AMEND ARTICLE X BY ADDING A NEW SECTION THAT WOULD PERMIT
THE MAYOR TO USE FUNDS IN TIMES OF A DECLARED EMERGENCY
FROM ANY SPECIAL FUND OF TE COUNTY, UNLESS PROHIBITED BY
STATE LAW, TO PRESERVE THE PEACE, LIFE, PROPERTY, HEALTH OR
SAFETY OF THE COUNTY AND ITS INHABITANTS; AS SUBMITTED BY
COMMISSIONER LEITHEAD TODD
1003 Bishop St.
HAWAII COUNTY CHARTER COMMISSION
Pauahi Tower, Ste. 740
11:00 A.M., FEBRUARY 8, 2019
Honolulu, HI 96813
25 Aupuni Street, Hilo, Hawaii
T: 808.524.8694
Hawaii County Building, Room 1401, Council Chambers
F: 808.524.8565
Aloha Chair Adams and Commission Members:
The Trust for Public Land opposes initial approval of CA-13. The Trust for Public Land
was originally involved in and supported the creation of the Public Access, Open Space,
and Natural Resources Preservation (PONC) fund through its 501(c)(4) organization, the
Conservation Campaign. The Trust for Public Land thanks the staff of the PONC 2%
fund and the volunteers who serve on the PONC Commission for their hard work in
advancing the wishes of the voters of Hawaii County who voted for the 2% Fund.
CA-13 would allow the Mayor to use special funds in times of emergency and pay back
any funds borrowed over a five year period. While we understand that there are
emergencies and natural disasters in which the Mayor would like the flexibility to tap
special funds like the PONC fund, we recommend that the PONC fund be exempted from
this provision. Purchases of land or conservation easements take many years to
negotiate, contract, raise funds, complete due diligence, and close. Federal and state
matching funding programs have spending deadlines that must be met. Contractual
deadlines with landowners must be met. Money is spent on appraisals, environmental
surveys, and boundary surveys in advance of closing. Every project involves long-term
commitments and obligations that must be met. Allowing the Mayor to raid PONC would
be devastating. If acquisition funds were not available when anticipated, landowners
would simply walk away, and opportunities for conservation supported by the voters
would be lost.
Mahalo for this opportunity to testify. Unfortunately, we will not be able to testify in
person due to scheduling conflicts.
Lea Hong
State Director
Edmund C. Olson Trust Fellow