HomeMy WebLinkAboutComm No 0021.128 - Testimony - CA-7 - PONC fund and Maintenance fundFebruary 6, 2019
To: Douglass Adams, Chairperson, and Members of the Charter Commission
From: Rose Schilt
Re: Opposition to CA -7, Draft 2, Proposal to Repeal and Replace Provisions for
PONC Fund and Maintenance Fund
Please do not approve the First Reading of this proposal to change this important
program that helps protect Hawaii's treasured places on this island.
I support continuing the PONC fund at its current level of 2% of property taxes.
Reducing this to .75% to use a portion of the 2% Land Fund monies to fund a staff
person who is dedicated to the administration of the 2% Land Fund Program with the
provisions of Section 10-15 and Section 10-16. This would result in support for more
applications, increased involvement from communities and their participation in
government. Ultimately, more properties may be acquired, more matching funds
would be obtained for local and tourist industry benefit, and more stewardship grants
would be awarded.
The revenue gains in these vital areas could exceed the value of taxes otherwise
generated on nonprofit, public and private land uses. It would be short-sighted to
undercut such a treasured program that supports statewide planning goals, for short-
term gains. Protected lands are fundamental to the economic, cultural, agricultural,
educational, recreational, youth development and tourism vitality of the island.
This Program accesses matching funds from state, federal and private dollars, a huge
contribution to the island, over $9 M over the last decade. The land fund is working
to preserve Hawaii Island's treasured lands, but we can make it more successful by
having a dedicated staff member. We must retain the clause to obtain matching
funds and protect these lands in perpetuity. PONC is vital to assuring that Big Island
plans for a sustainable and healthy environment for present and future generations.
Please support the will of Hawai'i County voters who in clear majorities have
repeatedly spoken, indicating their enthusiastic support for the Land Fund Program as
a foundation to help protect our treasured Hawai'i 'aina.
Mahalo nui for this opportunity to testify.
Rose Schilt, Member, Board of Directors, Amy B.H. Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden
808-366-6428
Comm. No. 21.128