HomeMy WebLinkAboutComm No 0035.02 - Testimony - CA-18 - PONC Maintenance fund
THE TRUST FOR PUBLIC LAND’S TESTIMONY IN SUPPORT OF COMM.
NO. 35 TRANSMITTING CA-18 FOR INITIAL APPROVAL; PROPOSAL TO
AMEND SECTION 10-16, PUBLIC ACCESS, OPEN SPACE, AND NATURAL
RESOURCES PRESERVATION MAINTENANCE FUND, TO TRANSFER
ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES TO THE DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE, ADD
PERMISSIBLE USES OF THE FUND, AND ESTABLISH A BASE AMOUNT
THAT MUST BE RESERVED FOR AWARDS TO STEWARDSHP
ORGANIZATIONS
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 supports advancing CA-18 through initial approval. The Trust
for Public Land was originally involved in and supported the creation of the 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.
We appreciate Commissioner Rice’s introduction of CA-18, responding to community
concerns regarding needed improvements to the administration of the PONC maintenance
funds. This proposal would allow the PONC Commission to review and make
recommendations on stewardship grants, allocat 70% of maintenance funds for
stewardship grants directly to community organizations, defines the stewardship grant
process, and allowing funds to be used the construction of small buildings for
maintenance equipment, educational purposes, and restroom facilities; the construction or
maintenance of trails or paths; wages/salaries for staff conducting the maintenance
activities.
Mahalo for this opportunity to testify. Unfortunately, we will not be able to testify in
person due to scheduling conflicts.
Mahalo –
Lea Hong
State Director
Edmund C. Olson Trust Fellow