HomeMy WebLinkAboutComm No 0021.117 - Testimony - CA-7 - PONC fund and Maintenance fundFrom: David Kwiat <drkwiat@yahoo.com>
Sent: Tuesday, February 5, 2019 6:57 PM
To: Charter Commission
Subject: Land Use Fund
Dear Chairperson Adams and other members of the Commission,
We strongly support the 2% Land Use Fund and the efforts to keep it going. Support for this fund by
our county citizens is evident from its having been on the ballot on three separate occasions and
being supported by over 63% of the voters. One of our county officials was recently quoted in the
West Hawaii Today stating that the Land Use Fund was just sitting idle as they had not received
recommendations for purchases. We find this outlandish and, if true, we need to streamline the
process. In today's paper alone, there was mention that the Bishop Estates was wishing to sell a
portion of the Waipio Valley. Also, there was a beautiful oceanfront property listed on the North
Kohala Coast. These would both be ideal candidates for purchase.
A committee needs to have the authority to advise and make land purchases that are in the public's
interest. A portion of the fund should be used for maintenance and improvements of these properties.
We need to have safe trails, roads, restrooms and other improvements so that people really can
enjoy the island.
Our mayor and elected officials have a difficult job of trying to balance the budget while providing for
needed roads and services. Raiding the Land Use Fund would only be a very short term solution and
the funds would eventuallly disappear into oblivion.
We urge the members of the committee to strengthen the Land Use Fund and not to allow it to be
gutted. Let's take positive action on something that our future generations will praise, appreciate, and
enjoy!
David Kwiat
Kailua-Kona. HI 96740
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Comm. No. 21.117