REP FC 179 2014/06/17 (2012-2014)

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REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE DATE: June 17, 2014 Re: Comm. No. 916/Res. No. 451-14 PLACE: Council Chambers Kona, Hawai`i TIME: 9:16 a.m. Council Chair and Members Hawai`i County Council Hilo, Hawai`i 96720 Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred Resolution No. 451-14, reports as follows: Resolution No. 451-14, transmitted by Council Member Greggor Ilagan, via Communication No. 916 dated May 29, 2014, authorizes the Director of Finance to enter into negotiations for the acquisition of Tax Map Key: 1-5-010:032 in the District of Puna, utilizing the Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Fund, as provided in Section 10-15 of the Hawai`i County Charter. The property is the result of the inadvertent consolidation/resubdivision of Conservation land. The acquisition of the property would ensure conservation of culturally significant lands for lineal/cultural descendants, residents of Hawai`i, and tourists. Corporation Counsel Bill Brilhante appeared before Your Committee for questions. He recommended that an Executive Session be held to discuss some possible legal exposure associated with this parcel of land. Some members of Your Committee expressed concern that this property has not gone through the normal process of the County of Hawai`i Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resource Preservation Commission (PONC). Council Member Wille supports the resolution; however, she suggested using the Executive Fund for this negotiation. Council Member Ford, who opposes the resolution, felt that having an Executive Session would prevent public transparency on this issue. She added that she supports preserving archaeological sites; however, she does not support using PONC funds for this purchase based on the extenuating circumstances involved. Council Member Kern expressed his support of the resolution. He reminded the Council that Hawaiian Paradise Park is the second largest subdivision in the United States and currently does not have any PONC lands or County parks available to the community. Furthermore, Mr. Kern feels this parcel is prime property and is a great opportunity for the County and the community. For informational purposes, Council Member Kanuha voted "kanalua" then "aye." Pursuant to Section 2-218, Hawai`i County Code 1983 (2005 Edition, as amended), the Director of Finance is authorized to enter into negotiations for the acquisition of Tax Map Key: 1-5-010:032 in the District of Puna, pursuant to the terms of Resolution No. 451-14. FC Report No. 179