In response to Jerry Warren’s letter, the Land Fund was approved three times by 63 percent of the people who voted on the measure at the polls, in 2006, 2010 and 2012. In 2010, the Charter Commission put it on the ballot at 1 percent, it was approved. Then at the next possible election the Save Our Lands Citizens’ Committee got it back on the ballot in 2012 at 2 percent (and approved by voters), which is why we originally collected 9,600 signatures on a petition to get it on the ballot. This is a mandate for land conservation on our island to preserve our treasured places. This also preserves these places for the enjoyment of visitors from around the world.
In response to Jerry Warren’s letter, the Land Fund was approved three times by 63 percent of the people who voted on the measure at the polls, in 2006, 2010 and 2012. In 2010, the Charter Commission put it on the ballot at 1 percent, it was approved. Then at the next possible election the Save Our Lands Citizens’ Committee got it back on the ballot in 2012 at 2 percent (and approved by voters), which is why we originally collected 9,600 signatures on a petition to get it on the ballot. This is a mandate for land conservation on our island to preserve our treasured places. This also preserves these places for the enjoyment of visitors from around the world.
The greatest success of the 2 percent Land Fund has been the building of communities around these lands. Nonprofits have been created by community members to save and care for our treasured island lands that are held in perpetuity for the use and enjoyment for the citizens of the County of Hawaii. This means that the properties will not be developed with limited access like what has happened in parts of North Kohala. The .25 percent maintenance fund is meant to assist community nonprofits to care for the lands acquired by 2 percent Land Fund money.
Properties acquired by the fund since 2006: 12.
Properties submitted for acquisition: 166.
Land acquired: 4,428 acres that was suggested by members of the community, 2,200-plus will be added when the Waikapuna acquisition is finished.
Money spent for the County of Hawaii 2 percent Land Fund: $27,389,268.
Grants from matching funds: $8,764,083.
Private funds: $2,000,000.
There is much more to be done! There have been 166 properties submitted to the Public Access and Open Space Commission for acquisition.
Two percent of property taxes is less than 1.5 percent of all of the income stream coming into the County of Hawaii. As a small business owner, I know that it’s simple to adjust for 1.5 percent of my budget. This debit on the county property taxes does not hurt at all, but adds great value to the beauty and sustainability of our island. Please support the 2 percent Land Fund.
Debbie Hecht is a Kailua-Kona resident and the campaign coordinator for the Save Our Lands Citizen’s Committee.
