13. Funding Mechanisms
Two effective tools for managing coastal erosion and beach loss include beach nourishment and the acquisition of coastal lands. Large beach nourishment projects and the purchase of shoreline properties can cost several millions of dollars. Additionally, continued research in coastal and marine sciences and beach monitoring will require continued funding.
The funding of these projects should be shared by federal, state, county, and private sources. Grants from outside agencies (e.g., federal agencies, Sea Grant, the DLNR, and the Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism's Coastal Zone Management Program) can be leveraged from relatively small seed funding allocated by the County. Monetary and in-kind support from non-governmental organizations and environmental groups should also be sought.
The County could propose setting up a dedicated beach management fund. This fund would help pay for beach nourishment and dune restoration projects as well as research and monitoring needs. Some of the money for this fund could be gathered from CZM-related permit processing fees (SMAs and SSVs) and fines collected from various violations. Additional funds could be allocated in County budget. Even a small, perhaps voluntary, visitor donation for beach preservation of as little as $0.50 per person per day could generate millions annually.
Currently, the County is limited in the amount of coastal lands it can acquire. These lands may be more efficiently funded through a practice called land banking. Land banking is defined as the practice of acquiring land by reason of opportunity, crisis, or prudent planning, and then holding the land for either a specific or unforeseen use-the use being in the public interest. This funding mechanism, falling outside of the normal process of budget appropriations, will provide a way to regularly set aside funds for future land acquisitions in both good and bad economic times (Anthony Rankin, pers. comm.).
The Maui County Council recently unanimously endorsed a bill calling for increased county funding for public land acquisition through a surcharge on the existing state conveyance tax. This stable funding would greatly enhance the ability of the county to acquire coastal lands for public use.
Objective
13.1) To sharply increase funding for beach management, coastal lands acquisition, and research and monitoring and seek to attract outside sources of funding
Recommendations
13.1a) Allocate a portion of the annual budget to a dedicated beach management fund, which would not only be used for land banking and beach nourishment projects but also for continued coastal zone research and monitoring13.1b) Identify strategies for generating more revenue earmarked for beach management
13.1c) More effectively pursue matching funds from outside agencies through leveraging
13.1d) Support and recognize volunteer efforts of non-governmental agencies and community groups who are active in beach stewardship
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