Laserfiche WebLink
<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> REPORT OF THE <br /> COMMITTEE ON FINANCE <br /> <br /> <br /> DATE: August 4, 2009 Re: Comm. No. 431/Res. 207-09 <br /> PLACE: Councilroom <br /> Ben Franklin Building, 2nd Floor <br /> Hilo, Hawaii <br /> TIME: 9:00 a.m. <br /> <br /> Council Chair and Members <br /> Hawaii County Council <br /> Hilo, Hawaii 96720 <br /> <br /> Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred Resolution 207-09, reports as follows: <br /> <br /> Resolution 207-09, transmitted by Council Member Kelly Greenwell, via Communication No. 431, <br /> dated June 26, 2009, encourages the County of Hawaii and the Department of Parks and Recreation to <br /> support the concept that community organizations assume leadership roles and seek funding sources for <br /> the construction and development of uses to create the Kona Shoreline Park Project within the Old Kona <br /> Airport Park; and endorses the role of the County of Hawaii to act as the conduit and/or sponsor through <br /> which any and all development funds such as the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) <br /> may be solicited as the Kona Shoreline Park Project evolves. <br /> <br /> Planning sessions are being envisioned to further refine various uses with the park. One proposal <br /> presently being formulated is canoe activities that include build-out of the existing land based canoe <br /> facility ("Hale Wa`a") and a new ocean access in the form of a canoe landing/stilling basin suitable for <br /> both canoe launching and a safe swimming area within the shoreline park. <br /> <br /> Councilmember Greenwell explained there are many projects and programs in the County of Hawaii that <br /> qualify for funding assistance under the provisions of the ARRA. He also stated that he has received a lot <br /> of support from organizations and the Kona community for this project. Although this resolution is <br /> targeted to promote ocean/canoe activities for the shoreline park, he mentioned that there will be room for <br /> different sports. He further stated that this project may turn into an international effort. <br /> <br /> Parks and Recreation Director Robert Fitzgerald was present via videoconference from Kona and stated <br /> this project is definitely his vision as Director of Parks and Recreation. He supports the concept of <br /> everyone working together. <br /> <br /> Chair Yagong and Councilmember Ford spoke in favor of the resolution and commended Mr. Greenwell <br /> on his efforts in getting funds through the ARRA. Councilmember Enriques expressed his support and <br /> indicated that specific guidelines need to be set up for volunteers. Councilmember Naeole stated the <br /> Kona kids would need a skate park. <br />