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February 6, 2019 <br />To: Douglass Adams, Chairperson, and Members of the Charter Commission <br />From: Rose Schilt <br />Re: Opposition to CA -13, Proposal to Amend Article X by Adding a New Section <br />Please do not approve the First Reading of this proposal to allow the mayor to use <br />funds in times of a declared emergency from any and all special funds of the <br />County. change this important program that helps protect Hawaii's treasured <br />places on this island. <br />I am in opposition to CA -13, which could jeopardize the PONC fund in an emergency. <br />I support continuing the PONC fund at its current level of 2% of property taxes, and <br />protecting it even in an emergency from being taken away from in the future. and <br />safe -guarding the fund for the intended use of the people of Big Island. It would be <br />better as a first priority if a special emergency fund were protected in perpetuity for <br />use in island emergencies on which the Council agrees. Such an emergency fund <br />should not be allowed to be raided or diminished for other purposes, other than an <br />actual emergency, of which there are many that our islands can suffer. <br />When there is an emergency, a hefty emergency fund should already have been <br />developed and protected. It would be short-sighted to undercut such a treasured <br />program as PONC that supports statewide planning goals, for short-term gains, <br />however critical. Protected lands are fundamental to the economic, cultural, <br />agricultural, educational, recreational, youth development and tourism vitality of the <br />island. After an emergency, these buffer spaces and lands, it could be argued, <br />become even more useful and needed. <br />Again, after an emergency, the ongoing use and value of such lands may be <br />magnified. PONC is vital to assuring that Big Island plans for a sustainable and healthy <br />environment for present and future generations. <br />Please support the will of Hawai'i County voters who in clear majorities have <br />repeatedly spoken, indicating their enthusiastic support for the Land Fund Program as <br />a foundation to help protect our treasured Hawai'i 'aina. <br />Mahalo nui for this opportunity to testify. <br />Rose Schilt, Member, Board of Directors, Amy B.H. Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden <br />808-366-6428 <br />Comm. No. 29.40 <br />