Come to the Pahoa Community Center at 5 pm on Monday, April 1, to give up to 6 minutes of testimony in support of Hawai`i’s 2% Public Lands, Open Spaces & Natural Resources law. This is a wonderful piece of legislation, created in 2006 by citizens’ initiative, which provides a funding source for the County to purchase properties of significant natural beauty, cultural/historic value, or coastal significance, PRESERVING them in PERPETUITY. The Charter Commission, appointed by the Mayor and convened only every ten years, is requesting public input concerning any desired changes in the County’s charter. Any proposed amendments will be put to the vote as soon as the November. The Save Our Lands Citizens’ Committee has proposed two amendments (CA-9 and CA-18) which would strengthen the law, curtailing the possibility of misuse of the funds, dedicating a staff person to administration of the fund, and making it easier for community groups to access the Maintenance Fund for land management. The charter review process has also produced several amendments which would water down the current law; it appears that these amendments have been withdrawn (but could be re-introduced at the last minute). 63% of Big Island voters have three times re-iterated our desire to set aside heritage lands for future generations, for enjoyment by the public and visitors, and in defense of biological diversity and sequestered carbon. Please come let the commissioners know that in 2019 we still feel the same!
For more information, navigate to Debbie Hecht’s website. She was one of the original co-authors of the legislation (with Brenda Ford), and offers and excellent history and timeline. For regular PONC defense updates and alerts, sign up to her email list.