HomeMy WebLinkAboutComm No 0029.40 - Testimony - CA-13 - Use of Special Funds in Times of Declared EmergencyFebruary 6, 2019
To: Douglass Adams, Chairperson, and Members of the Charter Commission
From: Rose Schilt
Re: Opposition to CA -13, Proposal to Amend Article X by Adding a New Section
Please do not approve the First Reading of this proposal to allow the mayor to use
funds in times of a declared emergency from any and all special funds of the
County. change this important program that helps protect Hawaii's treasured
places on this island.
I am in opposition to CA -13, which could jeopardize the PONC fund in an emergency.
I support continuing the PONC fund at its current level of 2% of property taxes, and
protecting it even in an emergency from being taken away from in the future. and
safe -guarding the fund for the intended use of the people of Big Island. It would be
better as a first priority if a special emergency fund were protected in perpetuity for
use in island emergencies on which the Council agrees. Such an emergency fund
should not be allowed to be raided or diminished for other purposes, other than an
actual emergency, of which there are many that our islands can suffer.
When there is an emergency, a hefty emergency fund should already have been
developed and protected. It would be short-sighted to undercut such a treasured
program as PONC that supports statewide planning goals, for short-term gains,
however critical. Protected lands are fundamental to the economic, cultural,
agricultural, educational, recreational, youth development and tourism vitality of the
island. After an emergency, these buffer spaces and lands, it could be argued,
become even more useful and needed.
Again, after an emergency, the ongoing use and value of such lands may be
magnified. 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. 29.40