HomeMy WebLinkAboutComm No 0024.102 - Testimony - CA-9 - staff for PONC fund and Maintenance fundNa Mamo o MINA
P.O. Box 45, Pahala HI 96777
Chairman Douglas Shipman Adams and Hawai'i County Charter Commissioners
Subject: Charter Amendment 9; CA - 9
Dear Chairman Adams and Charter Commissioners:
We, Na Mamo o Kawa ("NMOK"), support Charter Amendment 9 ("CA - 9"). CA - 9
establishes a full-time staff position at the Public Access Open Space, and Natural Preservation
Commission ("PONC") Program within the Hawai'i County Department of Finance ("Department
of Finance"). Over the past two years, the PONC Maintenance Fund supports NMOK's community
stewardship and maintenance activities. NMOK is grateful for the support as we maintain the Kawa
property, implement the NMOK Dry Forest and Coastal Rehabilitation Project, and complete the
NMOK Spring Restoration Project.
NMOK supports the creation of a full-time staff position to manage the PONC program.
Currently, several individuals within the Department of Finance and Department of Parks and
Recreation work for the PONC program, but those individuals also bear other departmental
responsibilities. CA - 9 creates a point person to help address program needs in a timely manner.
These needs include PONC property access, restroom facilities, funds disbursement, and others.
NMOK is extremely happy with the growth of the PONC prograrn. We hope the Charter
Commission approves CA - 9 so the public may vote on the measure in the November 2020
election.
James Akau
Executive Director
Comm. No. 24.102