Laserfiche WebLink
REPORT OF THE <br /> COMMITTEE ON FINANCE <br /> DATE: June 2, 2016 Re: Comm.No. 898/Res.No. 535-16 <br /> PLACE: Council Chambers <br /> Hilo, Hawai`i <br /> TIME: 1:40 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. 535-16, reports as follows: <br /> Resolution No. 535-16,transmitted by Council Member Valerie T. Poindexter, via Comm.No. 898 <br /> dated May 16, 2016, authorizes the Director of Finance to enter into negotiations for the acquisition of <br /> Tax Map Keys: 2-9-002:079 and 2-9-002:081,also known as Hakalau Point, situated in the District of <br /> Hamakua, utilizing the Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Fund. <br /> This 8.7 acre property is listed as priority No. 3 for purchase in the 2015 Annual Report of the Public <br /> Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Commission. <br /> Council Member Valerie Poindexter explained that she met with the many community members, community <br /> associations and development plan action committees regarding this acquisition. She stated that she is now <br /> addressing this because the community agreed to go forward. Ms. Poindexter then said that this is about <br /> saving the culture and lifestyle that is slowly disappearing and that she wants to save the connection to the <br /> plantation heritage that we have. <br /> Council Member Greggor Ilagan said he is in support of this resolution. He then commented for the public's <br /> benefit that if this resolution is denied, there can be no negotiation, but approval will allow negotiations. <br /> Property owner Steve Shropshire came forward and stated that he responded to the request from the Public <br /> Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Commission ("PONC"). He explained the <br /> importance of his stipulating terms by which he would sell and said that he also relayed the same to <br /> Ms. Poindexter. Mr. Shropshire expressed that the appraised value has no relationship, and that what he paid <br /> for, he would accept and he should be entitled to costs. He then stated that Hakalau Valley(the 87 acres) <br /> should be sold together with this parcel, and that he sent a letter to PONC regarding the same. <br /> Mr. Shropshire said it should be about $4.25 million and said that he is willing to negotiate but he is also <br /> realistic. <br /> Finance Property Manager Hamana Ventura came forward and confirmed that this resolution is for the nine <br /> acres that was introduced and approved by PONC, and that subsequently, a letter came from Mr. Shropshire <br /> for the 87 acres. Mr. Ventura restated that only the nine acres is being addressed at this time. <br /> Council Member Maile David commented that this island is historically significant and Hamakua does not <br /> yet have a parcel purchased by PONC, and because of the historical nature of the property, she will support <br /> it. She further said that regardless of a price tag for two parcels, we are here today for the nine acres. <br /> Several Council Members commented regarding their support for this resolution. <br /> FC Report No. 69 <br />