COM 0067.000 2004-2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

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The Honorable Gary Safarik, Chair Page 2 December 14, 2004 Puna Recreational Complex Planning, design, and construction: $8,000,000 The Puna Recreational Complex will include agym/community center, soccer/football field, baseball field, comfort station, parking area, and picnic pavilions. It will serve as a multipurpose district park for the fastest growing district in Hawaii County. There is a severe shortage of recreational and community facilities in the underserved Puna district, and this complex will serve the many needs of varied age groups. The gym/community center will house active recreation programs as well as cultural activities, classes and educational programs. This new complex will be constructed adjacent to Fire and Police Stations in a convenient location for easy public access. Locating both Fire and Police Stations with 24 hour staffing within close proximity will serve to provide not only increased public safety, but will hopefully curb the problem of vandalism as well. As the soaring Hawaii real estate market drives the price of home ownership higher each month, Puna has become one of the only affordable options for many people to live. This means the rapid population growth of the past twenty years is expected to continue and even increase. There is an immediate need for construction of a gym and fields to meet the existing demand as well as the anticipated needs of the growing community. Design and construction of Puna Recreational Complex is expected to cost $8,000,000, and State funds are being requested for this project. Coqui Frog Eradication Program State Share: $2,000,000 Funding for this program is needed to implement the Mayor's Declaration of Emergency of April 12, 2004. Since first sighted here in the early 1990s, coqui frog infestations have been rapidly multiplying on the Island of Hawaii with over 150 established coqui frog sites confirmed at present. We are experiencing a substantial adverse impact on our environment, our economy, and our quality of life from the coqui frog. A multiple-agency effort (including state, federal and county resources) has been established to work with communities and assist them in addressing coqui frog infestations in their areas. However, there is no dedicated funding at any level to implement a comprehensive control/eradication plan. The funds requested would be used by the State Department of Agriculture and the State Department of Land and Natural Resources to implement a control and eradication effort on Hawaii Island. Other Information Status of West Hawaii Infrastructure For the past four years, our priority list has included major road projects in West Hawaii. Although one of the County's highest priorities is to catch