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Open Space Bond
can save
Hawaii Island's Treasured Lands
for Parks
by Debbie Hecht
Do we need more parks? Should we save out treasured lands in this economic downturn, while these properties are affordable? Hawaii Island's unique lands are the basis for our quality of life and a potential eco-tourism industry. These lands need to be saved now for our children and grandchildren. The $3.5 to $4 million dollars generated from 2% of Hawaii county property taxes could be used as the principal and interest payment for approximately $50 million of bonds. This is not a new idea! Over 200 communities across the US passed Open Space Bonds from 2004 to mid-2007.
Bonds are like your home mortgage. The county borrows money and then pays it back at approximately 5% over 20 years. The approximately $3.5 to $4 million generated from the 2% money could be used as the principal and interest payment on approximately $50 million in Bonds. Right now interest rates are low, the land values have decreased by 35% and are still falling. Some landowners with properties slated for development are eager to sell. This economic downturn is a golden opportunity for the citizens of Hawaii County! If we had Open Space Bond money we could buy open space and parkland properties now!
The Hawaii County Council has approved ten Resolutions, which instruct the Director of Finance to begin negotiations for acquisition: Puapua'a Historic site (12+ acres north of Casa de Emdeko- Ali'i Drive, Kona), Waipio Lookout (acquired), Honoli'i, Cape Kumukahi, Ocean Park, Honolulu Landing, Wai'ele, Kawa Bay (partially acquired), Punalu'u Beach park, Pa'o'o and Kiholena.
The County council could establish a procedure for Truth in Bonding, with full disclosure, so citizens knew that our 2% money could go only to acquire properties prioritized by the Open Space commission and approved of by the Council. Properties would need to be acquired from landowners that were willing to sell. Another benefit of having Bond money would be that the county could attract matching funds from the federal and state governments, such as state Legacy Lands Funds.
How can this be accomplished? A simple change in the Open Space and Public Access ordinance in the County Code, requiring that the 2% funding first be applied to pay the debt service on an open space bond.
Questions? Call Debbie Hecht 989-3222-or email hecht.deb@gmail.com
Coordinator 2% for the Land Fund Campaign
Assume the best and ask questions.
Punaweb moderator
Posts: 8,464
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There is, I believe, a current unspent total of approx. $8 million in the fund. The CoH has authorized negotiations on about ten prime locations. Suddenly nothing happens except Mayor Kenoi wants to spend the money on general fund.
A casual understanding of the amount of waste and over billing that occurs with county contractors convinces me that turning the $8 million over to the general fund means kiss it good bye. Business as usual. Thank you very much.
From my perspective if we have $8 million and the price of land is down then now is definately the time to buy.
But at this moment Mayor Kenoi is saying no, no, no... it's not time to buy, it is time to sell the Hamakua former plantation lands.
What happened to the simple rule of buy low, sell high?
This is smart leadership?
Local politics is where the rubber meets the road.
Assume the best and ask questions.
Punaweb moderator
Posts: 859
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Welcome to democracy...
It might be smart, how may people will go hungry if social services have to be cut? How many people will die? I don't know, you don't know. We elect these people to do what is best for everyone.
What if that money was spent now on land and in 2 years things have become so bad that the same land would have been donated to the county? But because that money was spent on the land, hundreds of peopled died... would that be good leadership?
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I do not believe that America is better than everybody else...
America "IS" everybody else.
HBAT
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I do not believe that America is better than everybody else...
America "IS" everybody else.
The Wilder Side Of Hawaii
Posts: 2,149
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The Kenoi Administration did not seriously look at all other possible budget-balancing measures before proposing this raid on the land acquisition fund, IMHO. The contractor over-billing that Rob has pointed out on numerous occasions is just one example of sacred cash cows for influential interest groups that are not to be touched. At a time in Hawaii when many people are forced to get by on less and make sacrifices, the COH seems to feel exempt from real cuts.
And then there is the matter of the voters' decision on land acquisition. Apparently Billy Kenoi thinks his ideas and the needs of certain of his supporters come before the will of the people. "Together we can" maintain the dysfunctional status quo.
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[quote]Originally posted by Jon
Welcome to democracy...
Democracy? As reality would have it, what the Mayor proposes is ANTI-democratic, since a majority of people VOTED FOR the 2% provision and now the Mayor wants to circumvent that democratic action.
Jon, maybe I should apologize. All this time I thought your bizarre comments were in seriousness. Now, I realize that could not possibly be the case and that you are using high farce and irony (that is, saying exactly the opposite of what you really do mean).
James Weatherford, Ph.D.
15-1888 Hialoa
Hawaiian Paradise Park
Posts: 990
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Why, in these very tight times do we worry about raiding a fund for the public good. And what is the difference between this fund for eye candy, and a true disaster fund paid by a private Co. to help mitigate any unlikely damage it's Ormat facility might cause. You guys drooled over that fund for a slush fund and it was ok. But you don't trust Ormat to expand to supply the whole island, which it could, dropping our electric substantially.
Just like the garbage, we're likely polluting the marine life for miles around with our unlined open dumps, with their supply of mercury from the mandatory flourescents. But you were going to compost it for agriculture. Well you're going to get your chance when Honolulu sends their garbage over here to be composted by the pro's in the know!
Gordon J Tilley
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Maybe I should not... if the laws allow him to make that call, then he has the power to do it, if in doing so he breaks the law then he needs to be prosecuted. My guess is he does not want to go to jail.
Representative Democracy means that we elected him to do what he thinks is right while staying within the law.
Does the 2% provision have no loop holes? if not, then its open season on him, file suit and lock the funds up until a judge decides. It still does not change the fact that something will have to give as far as the funds needed for services. How about we bring up what can be cut that will wont cause people to have a cow? Maybe suspend the bus service for 2 years, lease some land to WalMart, Close all the parks for 2 years. How about everyone that wants to keep the 2% provision, give the county $10,000.00, I don't think that would cover the whole thing though.
-----------------------------------------------------------
I do not believe that America is better than everybody else...
America "IS" everybody else.
HBAT
-----------------------------------------------------------
I do not believe that America is better than everybody else...
America "IS" everybody else.
The Wilder Side Of Hawaii
Posts: 1,779
Threads: 73
Joined: Aug 2006
All elected officials and those co-terminus with the Mayor take a 10% cut in pay?
James Weatherford, Ph.D.
15-1888 Hialoa
Hawaiian Paradise Park
Posts: 859
Threads: 10
Joined: May 2008
Agreed, has anyone asked them to do that? I will ask Emily about it Sunday...
How about turn off street lights from 10pm to 6am.
-----------------------------------------------------------
I do not believe that America is better than everybody else...
America "IS" everybody else.
HBAT
-----------------------------------------------------------
I do not believe that America is better than everybody else...
America "IS" everybody else.
The Wilder Side Of Hawaii
Posts: 473
Threads: 19
Joined: Jan 2009
I am not sure I understand the backstory for this but open space is so important. Who has called or emailed Debbie? What was the result?
-Blake
http://www.theboysgreatescape.blogspot.com/
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