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REPORT OF THE <br /> COMMITTEE ON FINANCE <br /> DATE: April 5, 2011 Re: Comm. No. 140 /Res. 49 -11 <br /> PLACE: Council Chambers <br /> Hilo, Hawai`i <br /> TIME: 3:30 p.m. <br /> Council Chair and Members <br /> Hawai`i County Council <br /> Hilo, Hawai`i 96720 <br /> Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred Resolution No. 49 -11, reports as follows: <br /> Resolution No. 49 -11, transmitted by Councilmember Brittany Smart, dated March 17, 2011, <br /> authorizes the Director of Finance to enter into negotiations for the acquisition of <br /> TMK: (3)9 -2- 001:075, situated in Kahuku, Ka`u, also known as the Kahuku Coastal Property. <br /> This parcel of property is comprised of approximately 3,127.95 acres, which was awarded the <br /> fifth highest criteria score by the Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources <br /> Preservation Commission on its prioritized list of qualifying lands worthy preservation dated <br /> December 28, 2009. <br /> The parcel contains numerous historical and cultural sites, has kipukas and lowland dry forest <br /> ecosystems, anchialine ponds, nesting habitats for the endangered hawksbill turtle, and over a <br /> mile of ocean frontage. There are several right -of -ways through the parcel to the coastline. <br /> Ms. Smart urged the support of Your Committee, stating that there is little access to the ocean <br /> front in the Ocean View area. This particular mile of beach is already well utilized by the public <br /> as a popular place for camping and fishing. Should the County take ownership of the parcel, not <br /> only will the historic and cultural value be preserved, but the public will be provided with a legal <br /> right of way to this popular ocean front area. <br /> Pursuant to Section 2 -214, Hawai`i County Code, there shall be a Public Access, Open Space <br /> and Natural Resources Preservation Fund for the purpose of acquiring lands or property <br /> entitlements in the county of Hawai`i for public outdoor recreation and education, including <br /> access to beaches and mountains; preservation of historic or culturally important land areas and <br /> sites, protection of natural resources, including buffer zones; preservation of forests, beaches, <br /> coastal areas, natural beauty and agricultural lands; and protection of watershed lands to preserve <br /> water quality and water supply. <br /> FC Rept. No. 40 <br />