Support Hoffmann’s 2% Bill this Wednesday

[Rob Tucker]

A Call To Support Hoffmann’s 2% Bill Wednesday


From Debbie Hecht the tough as nails proponent of the 2% Fund. (Moderator)

Aloha 2% supporters:

BILL 263 — 2% Land Fund charter amendment will be heard at 10:45 a.m., Wednesday, June 23, 2010 in Hilo at the Council Chambers (25 Aupuni St.) A big Mahalo to Council member Pete Hoffmann for introducing this Bill. Video conferencing will be available from Waimea and Kona. To put a charter amendment on the ballot, three readings are required and we need six votes at each reading.

Please email the Council if you cannot attend.

Remember it’s an election year and your voice can be heard LOUDLY! Please email the entire list or call your council member — the email list and a link to their phone numbers follow.

TALKING POINTS:

1. This is a simple matter. Put the 2% LAND FUND on the ballot along with the 1% Land Fund charter amendment being introduced by the Charter commission and LET THE PEOPLE DECIDE.
2. The 2% Land Fund was approved by 63% of voters in 2006.
3. The Land Fund is successful! The following parcels have been purchased with 2% land fund monies: Waipio Lookout, Kawa Bay- Ka’u (2 parcels, one is under negotiation), Kaiholena (150 acres) and Pao’o In North Kohala.
4. 1% of property taxes is approximately $2 million per year, 2% is $4 miliion per year. Land is expensive on Hawaii Island; we need 2% or $4 million to attract dollar for dollar matching funds.
5. This will not take effect until July 1, 2011, so the council’s suspension of the funds will be honored, and not affect the budget.

AN OVERVIEW OF BILL 263:

* 2% of property taxes shall be placed in the fund at least twice per year in an interest bearing account.
Describes the purpose for the acquisition of land.
* Fund shall be used for acquisition only.
* Highest and best use of the fund is to attract matching funds.
* A covenant shall be recorded and run with the land that will say: “These lands were purchased with moneys from the Public access and Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Fund. It shall e held in perpetuity for the use and enjoyment of the people of Hawai’i County. This land may not be sold, mortgaged, traded or transferred in any way.”

To read the bill, click here: http://records.co.hawaii.hi.us/weblink/0...Page1.aspx

CUT AND PASTE THIS EMAIL LIST: <dikeda@co.hawaii.hi.us>, <donishi@co.hawaii.hi.us>, <enaeole@co.hawaii.hi.us>, <counciltestimony@co.hawaii.hi.us>, <dyagong@co.hawaii.hi.us>, <genriques@co.hawaii.hi.us>, <bford@co.hawaii.hi.us>, <kgreenwell@co.hawaii.hi.us>, <jyoshimoto@co.hawaii.hi.us>, <phoffmann@co.hawaii.hi.us>

FOR YOUR COUNCIL MEMBERS PHONE NUMBER CLICK HERE:

http://www.hawaii-county.com/council/districts.htm

Department of Land and Natural resources will be holding information meetings on proposed CONSERVATION DISTRICT rule amendments:

Kona July 6, 2010 at the Mayor’s Conference Room 75-5706 Kuakini Hwy. Room 103- 6:00 pm

Hilo- July 7, 2010 at the Hilo State Office building 75 Aupuni St. Room C - 6:00 pm

ARE YOU REGISTERED TO VOTE?

* Did you get the yellow postcard verifying that you are registered to vote?
* If not, print out the attached, fill out the form and mail it in TODAY!

Mahalo for your help and support!

Debbie (Hecht)

P.O. Box 4148

Kailua-Kona, HI 96745

(808) 989-3222

[Rob Tucker]

This is the Last Stand for the year on the 2% Land Preservation Fund. It has been sidelined, whittled at and for some reason the Charter Commission felt that their opinion was somehow more important than a majority of voters.

Now is not the time to slack off. This is an election year when (one might think) the council majority might pretend to listen to the voters.

Let’s find out if they do. On the record.

[critterlover]

I am assuming you all know by now, it failed. There was a 5 to 3 vote but the vote needed a 2/3 majority [though I don't know if that means 2/3 of a 9 member council but Donald Ikeda was absent yesterday.] to carry it.

By the way, Kelly Greenwell was present in Hilo yesterday, I am assuming because of his LEAP resolution [which failed]. It was a rare experience to see nearly the entire council in Hilo at one time! I believe in months that I have been attending, this is the first time!

I think there were 4 people in Hilo and 1 each in Waimea and Kona, who testified. There is a 1% schedule for a vote and if it passes I understand the Council can raise the amount at any time. The difference between the two proposals, at least that which was pointed out by one in Kona who testified, was the last clause in the 2% proposal, item 'j', was not included in the 1%. It has to do with the deed reflecting the property could not be disposed of for 'perpetuity'. If the 1% passes then it is a start. However, I am thinking the economy being what it is, taxes being raised, being what they are, folks who vote may not be inclined to be so altruistic and the matter may be voted down. JMHO.

“A penny saved is a government oversight.”

[Rob Tucker]

Thanks for the update.

Assume the best and ask questions.

Punaweb moderator

[james weatherford]

quote]Originally posted by critterlover

There was a 5 to 3 vote but the vote needed a 2/3 majority [/quote]

County Charter, Section 15-1, states:

“Amendments or revisions of this charter may be initiated only in the following manner:
(a) By ordinance of the council adopted after three readings on separate days and passed by the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the entire membership.
(b) By petition presented to the council…”

This provision was brought forward under sub-section (a), which requires 6 aye votes ("...two-thirds of the entire membership.").

James Weatherford, Ph.D.
15-1888 Hialoa
Hawaiian Paradise Park

[critterlover]

@James: This provision was brought forward under sub-section (a), which requires 6 aye votes ("...two-thirds of the entire membership.").


Thank you. I actually found that out after posting my comments. There was a reason given for Mr. Ikeda's absence though I admit I did not register it mentally.

“A penny saved is a government oversight.”