Cut the Budget- Save the 2% Fund now- appeared in West Hawaii Today

Published in West Hawaii Today in March or April of 2009

The 2% Land Fund is easy pickin’, low-hanging, forbidden fruit for the County council to meet the $31.5 million “projected” budget shortfall. The 2% Fund has never been part of the budget; it is NOT the Mayor or Council’s money to “take”.   “Taking” this money is a violation of the public trust of government “by and for the people” and apathy inducing for voters.   “Taking” this money is a betrayal of the democratic process of initiative petition, a slap in the face to people who collected signatures and a betrayal of the voter’s trust in fundamental democracy that provides that majority rules and that our vote is inviolate. The people chose the onerous initiative petition process because the council and mayor were non-responsive to requests to establish a fund to obtain matching funds to purchase open space.  Over 200 people collected almost 10,000 signatures, in 4 months on initiative petitions to get this measure on the ballot. At the polls, 57% of the people approved this measure to set aside 2% of property taxes, a clear mandate that the people of the Big Island do NOT want our island developed like Maui or Oahu. Since the people voted for 2% for the Land Fund, the council should go back to the people with public meetings in Waimea, Kona, Ka’u and Hilo.  The people have spoken again via the Community Development Plan process by requesting for more parks and open spaces.

The Mayor introduced legislation to take $2 million from this year’s deposits to meet next year’s budget shortfall, before it is necessary. What’s next raiding the money already deposited in the fund? Open space, beach access, important agricultural lands and cultural sites are important to our quality of life. Open lands do not require expensive government services.  NOW is the time to buy when land prices are reduced by 28.42% island-wide (MLS statistic).  We can create a middle income, eco-tourism industry by using the 2% funds to add land to our parks for camping, hiking trails and beach access.  Expanding parks can provide jobs for unemployed construction workers. During the Depression, President Roosevelt created the Civilian Conservation Corp, to put people back to work. For more information on an eco-tourism industry go to: http://www.dhecht.com/?page_id=14

There is $8.8 million in the fund. There are 3 properties for sale: Puapua’a (Kona), and Kaiholena and Pao’o (North Kohala). Why hasn’t the county been negotiating with these landowners?  The great benefit of the 2% fund is the ability to attract matching funds, like state Legacy Land funds and USFWS grants for endangered species.   The Open Space ordinance proposes protection for lands for public recreation and education, access to beaches and mountains, cultural sites, natural resources, watersheds, forests, beaches, coastal areas and agricultural lands. If we use the 2% funds to pay the principal and interest payments on a $50 million Open Space bond, we can acquire more land, at no additional cost to the county or taxpayers. Open space bond explanation go to:  http://www.dhecht.com/?page_id=13.

There are 10 properties approved by the Hawaii County Council for acquisition. Although we may not have funds to develop these properties, we can save these lands NOW from development at reduced prices and improve them later, when we have impact fees or other funds.

Mayor Kenoi said to ‘”share the sacrifice”, we propose these ways to meet the projected shortfall of $31.5 million:

1.    There are 439 funded but unfilled jobs padding the budget. According to Councilmember Yagong,  eliminating these jobs  could cut the deficit by $9.5 million.
2.    The county can sell tax liens on properties with delinquent property taxes.
3.    County employees can leave county cars at work. We applaud that Public Works director Warren Lee has taken this step voluntarily.
4.    Reassess property tax values on resort properties so they can pay their fair share of property taxes.
5.    Institute impact fees to help pay infrastructure costs. The county can free up funds earmarked for infrastructure for other uses. Existing residents should NOT have to provide infrastructure (roads, sewers, schools, parks, etc) for new residents who choose to buy new homes.
6.     A study done by the Legislative Auditor states that cost overruns on Public Works projects were 94% (national average =14%).  Laws should be changed to provide new procurement processes and new standard performance contracts with hefty penalties for cost and time overruns.

There are two more readings before the Council suspends deposits to the 2% Land Fund, on April 22nd and May 6th, in Kona at the Sheraton.  You can testify in Hilo, Waimea at the council offices.  Ask your elected officials to take a long-term view past this economic downturn and stay the course to save Hawaii Island’s treasured places for our children and grandchildren.  Email them at: counciltestimony@co.hawaii.hi.us, “Mayor Billy Kenoi” <cohmayor@co.hawaii.hi.us>, “Nancy Crawford, Director of Finance” <ncrawford@co.hawaii.hi.us>,
The money deposited in the fund each year is approximately $4 million. The county budget is over $400 million. The question is WHY is the county making such a BIG deal over 1% of the budget?

Debbie Hecht, Save Our Lands Campaign coordinator
989-3222 or hecht.deb@gmail.com