Comm No 0035.03 - Testimony - CA-18 - PONC Maintenance fund

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County of Hawaii Charter Commission 25 Aupuni Street, Hilo, HI. 96720 Room 1401 February 8, 2018 11:00 a.m. Re: Communication No. 35: Transmitting CA -18 for Initial Approval Aloha Charter Commissioners, I am writing to express my strong support for Communication No. 35 CA -18 which would transfer the administration of the PONC maintenance fund to the Department of Finance, direct that at least 70% of the fund shall be reserved for stewardship grants to qualified stewardship organizations, and allow 501-(c)(3) organizations to pay salaries for the admin of stewardship grants under specific and limited conditions. All three of these changes to the PONC maintenance fund would significantly increase the effectiveness of the fund and help ensure that the fund is applied in the best way possible. Transferring the administration of the PONC maintenance fund to the Department of Finance would increase the effectiveness of the fund by ensuring a fair allocation of funds to both county entities and qualifying stewardship organizations. Since the Department of Finance would only administer the funds in terms of awarding grants and reviewing project completion performance, the Department would never be in competition for the funds as they would not use the funds to conduct PONC related maintenance projects. In addition, by requiring that at least 70% of the funds go to qualifying stewardship organizations, the Department of Finance would act as a gate- keeper and ensure that the funds go to the organizations that already have a demonstrated track record and/or show that the organization has the resources to successfully complete the job described. In addition, by allowing 501(c)(3) organizations to use granted maintenance funds to pay for salaries, 501(c)(3) organizations will more readily be able to apply for the maintenance funds in the first place. Many 501(c)(3) organizations run on a shoe -string budget and rely heavily upon volunteer assistance. When it comes to projects that require significant time and/or resources, many organizations cannot justify applying for maintenance funds with the concern that they might not have the resources to properly complete the job. This provision would give a much- needed boost to dedicated and locally -connected organizations and therefore increase the efficiency and productivity of the fund. The PONC Maintenance Fund ultimately drives the success of the PONC Fund and these amendments recommended in CA -18 would greatly improve the overall efficiency of the PONC fund. Please take whatever steps are necessary to both preserve and improve the PONC Maintenance Fund so that it will continue to protect pristine legacy lands in Hawaii. Best regards, Leslie Cole -Brooks Attorney at Law, leslie@cole-brooks.com P.O. Box 77 Papaaloa, HI. 96780 Comm. No. 35.3