HomeMy WebLinkAboutComm No 0035.03 - Testimony - CA-18 - PONC Maintenance fundCounty 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