Support Land Fund
The Charter Commission meets at 9 a.m. this Friday in Hilo. The commission is appointed by the mayor every 10 years to serve the citizens of Hawaii County by refining the County Charter.
A vast majority of all the testimony during the Charter Commission meetings was about strengthening the 2% Land Fund Program.
Remember, 63% of voters voted in favor of this program three times. Since 2006, the 2% Land Fund has preserved 4,400 acres, with 2,200 acres being added when Waikapuna in Ka‘u is purchased. The stewardship groups who care for these lands have received only 9% of all monies deposited in the maintenance fund.
We can do better! Please support our proposed amendments to preserve more of Hawaii Island’s treasured places for our keiki and grandchildren.
Charter Amendment 9 explains how the 2% tax funds can be spent. We proposed to pay the salary, wages and benefits for one staff person to work only on the 2% Land Fund program in addition to an already existing position to help the Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Commission. Mahalo to Commissioner Kevin Hopkins for this clarifying proposal!
Charter Amendment 18 deals with the maintenance fund and was proposed by Commissioner Sarah Rice. All of the groups that received funding are requesting they be able to pay people to work on the land. This will enable them to continue their good work in caring for the 2% lands.
We humbly ask you to support our efforts to preserve Hawaii Island’s great places for the future enjoyment for all of the residents of Hawaii County.
For the exact language of the proposed legislation, a history of the 2% Land Fund Program and how you can help, visit https://debbiehecht.com/.
Debbie Hecht
Campaign coordinator, 2% Land Fund Program
No place for religion
So Alabama legislated that abortion is a criminal offense. But what did it use to justify this action? Religion, to be exact.
Isn’t that great that a bunch of fairy tales are the basis of our laws, because without God we would all be immoral.
I have no problem with how anyone conducts their lives; just keep your religion to yourself and leave me alone.
In reading the Bible, I find that we must have children, so we can offer them up as a sacrifice.
And for morality, just look at how many priests, rabbis and other assorted religious leaders are found guilty of sex crimes against youngsters.
Back to abortion. It should be a subject strictly determined by the woman, with the advice of her doctor and/or partner. There should be no input from the legislatures, except perhaps for a suggestion.
Michael L. Last
Na‘alehu