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Bills Signed to Enhance Conservation

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Jun 05, 2008 11:45 AM - At the North Shore Chamber of Commerce Officers Installation Dinner, Governor Lingle signed into law two bills to strengthen the State's and community's ongoing collaborative efforts to preserve lands and natural resources for future generations.

Bills Signed to Enhance Conservation

Governor Lingle signs bills and presents ceremonial copies to Lea Hong, director, Trust for Public Lands Hawaiian Islands Program; Bill Paty, chairman, Turtle Bay Advisory Working Group; and Representative Michael Magaoay.

"The community has held a vision of conservation for a long time -- it's just finally emerging for the rest of us," the Governor said, acknowledging the significant role of the community.

Governor Lingle also thanked chamber members for their leadership, explaining that their active participation in government and in the community sets an example of leadership for the rest of the state.

"Government works best when we have a maximum involvement from the public," she said.

One bill signed (SB2423 SD2 HD2 CD1), which becomes Act 140, provides the Governor with additional negotiating tools to use in acquiring and protecting nearly 1,300 acres of land on O`ahu's North Shore, including the makai and mauka lands from Kahuku Point to Kawela Bay.

Act 140 authorizes the Governor to acquire the area, known as the "Turtle Bay property," through a variety of means, including direct appropriations, general obligation bonds, exchange of public lands, federal funds, private funds or other negotiated agreements.  While the bill also authorizes the use of eminent domain, the Administration believes this is not a preferred option and would only be used as a last resort.

A second measure (SB3102 SD2 HD1 CD1), which the Governor signed as Act 139, adds flexibility to the Department of Land and Natural Resources' land conservation fund by allowing public and private funds to be added and distributed as grants for the acquisition of state conservation lands.

Under this new law, the Fund can now accept private donations, federal funds or other contributions.  In addition, Act 139 allows up to 5 percent of the Land Conservation Fund to be used for management and maintenance of acquired lands.

Governor Lingle first raised the idea to purchase the Turtle Bay property in her State of the State Address in January.  The Governor's Turtle Bay Advisory Working Group, comprised of community, business, government, non-profit and union leaders, has been meeting to address how to acquire the property and preserve it for public use, while also maintaining the economic viability of the existing resort.  To minimize the use of public funds, the State would sell the resort hotel, golf courses, related businesses and condominiums as part of the financing. 

 

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