RES 145 Draft 01 2020-2022 - Laserfiche WebLink

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WHEREAS, the Hawaii County General Plan, Section 12.3 Recreation -Policies, states, in pertinent parts: "(d) The use of land adjoining recreation areas shall be compatible with community values, physical resources, and recreation potential.", "(g) Facilities for compatible multiple uses shall be provided. (h) Provide facilities and a broad recreational program for all age groups, with special considerations for the handicapped, the elderly, and young children. (i) Coordinate recreational programs and facilities with governmental and private agencies and organizations. Innovative ideas for improving recreational facilities and opportunities shall be considered.", "(in) Develop a network of pedestrian access trails to places of scenic, historic, natural or recreational values. This system of trails shall provide, at a minimum, an island -wide route connecting major parks and destinations.", "(o) Develop facilities and safe pathway systems for walking, jogging, and biking activities. (p) Develop a recreation information dissemination system for the public's use. (q) Revise the ordinance requiring subdivisions to provide land area for park and recreational use or pay a fee in lieu thereof." ; and WHEREAS, in the North Kohala Community Development Plan, Strategy 1.2 calls on the County to "acquire coastal lands that should be preserved as open space"; and WHEREAS, the North Kohala Community Development Plan notes that "experts have identified Kohala's coast as one of the most intact cultural landscapes" in the State of Hawaii because of its high density of cultural and archeological sites. WHEREAS, the North Kohala Community Development Plan states that the area located makai of 'Akom Pule Highway is subject to the threat of future development with four privately - owned properties, identified as critical to maintaining the continuous cultural landscape, recommended for purchase — either in fee or through purchase of conservation easements — by a public entity that can protect these lands in perpetuity; and WHEREAS, Article X, Section 10-15 of the Hawaii County Charter provides for a Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Fund; and WHEREAS, Section 2-215, Hawaii County Code, sets forth provisions for a Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Commission (hereinafter "Commission"); and WHEREAS, Section 2-217, Hawaii County Code, provides, in pertinent part, that the Commission's first duty and responsibility is, "[flo develop and submit to the mayor an island - wide prioritized list of qualifying lands worthy of preservation..." and for the priorities to be "...listed on an island -wide rather than district basis"; and M