Comm No 0035.09 - Testimony - CA-18 - PONC Maintenance fund

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County of Hawaii Charter Commission West Hawai`i Civic Center March 8, 2019 11 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. 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, regarding the concern that the 70% requirement might result in unused funds, the Commission could amend CA -18 such that up to 70% of the funds would be made available to qualifying non -profits for a limited period of time. If not all of the funds have been applied for within this initial window, then the director could open up the funds to county use. For instance, the Director could accept applications for funds each quarter, and allocate 70% for non -profits for the first month of each quarter. Any remaining funds could then be made available for county use. This would help direct the funds first towards grass roots groups currently doing the hard work in the field, but also ensure that all funds will be utilized. Furthermore, 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. Comm. No. 35.9