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Council advances PONC charter amendment after debate over stewardship funding and transparency
Summary
Council passed Bill 165 at first reading to increase the public-access, open-space and natural-resources preservation fund's stewardship allocation, but a proposed amendment to change the baseline and source of the funding prompted concerns about transparency and was withdrawn; Bill 165 passed first reading 7–1 with one excused.
The Hawaii County Council approved Bill 165 at first reading on Monday, advancing a charter amendment that would increase the annual allocation to the Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation (PONC) maintenance fund and move stewardship-allowable activities from the charter into county code.
Sponsor Councilmember Ashley Kirkowitz said the bill aims to ensure stewardship funding is available so acquired properties can be maintained rather than neglected. "As we acquire more properties... we will need to invest in stewardship," she said during debate.
During floor discussion, Kirkowitz proposed an amendment (communication 915.2) that would preserve a baseline quarter-percent of real property tax revenue for stewardship and allow an additional discretionary quarter-percent from the acquisition fund — creating a potential up-to-half-percent total. That amendment prompted concerns from several council members and public testifiers about transparency and whether moving stewardship allowances out of the charter could make funding more discretionary.
Deputy finance staff noted that a quarter-percent currently provides about $1.3 million annually; a full half-percent would be roughly $2.6 million, depending on tax revenue. Public commenters urged clearer rules and better grant-administration practices to ensure stewardship funds are actually spent on maintenance in a timely way.
Kirkowitz withdrew the motion to amend after extended discussion and public comment; the main bill then passed first reading by roll call: seven votes in favor, one opposed, and one member excused. Council staff and the sponsor said they plan to bring a corresponding code amendment in July to list allowable stewardship activities and to work with finance on implementation details.
Councilmembers stressed that improved stewardship procedures and clearer application timelines were needed so stewards can receive funds when required and not face administrative barriers that leave properties without maintenance funding.
