2023-03-13 Minutes Approved - Laserfiche WebLink

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need to protect its natural and cultural resources, management, and education. Most importantly, she testified of the many community families who continue to rely upon the area for subsistence fishing. Ms. Fraiser suggested that guidelines are needed as the increase in tourism and local demands grow. Mr. Darren Ziegler with Hui Aloha Kiholo testified in support of Sugg. 23-01. He emphasized the need to protect cultural sites and continue the trail. He acknowledged the Hui's involvement with the State Park and thanked the Waikoloa Land Co. for making this property available for a conservation easement purchase. There being no other public testimony, Chr. Chang called the representative for Sugg. 23- 01. Ms. Reyna Ramolete Hayashi, with the Trust for Public Land (TPL), introduced herself, TPL, and provided handouts. She presented about the numerous cultural sites, flora and fauna, and the existence of a heiau. TPL is seeking a State Legacy Land Grant to help with the purchase. She confirmed that Waikoloa Land Co. is a willing participant, and numerous organizations support this conservation easement purchase. Commission Vice-Chr. Kelepolo asked for clarification of the purchase amount and legal access. Ms. Hayashi confirmed legal access, and the purchase amount is estimated based on the Real Property Tax assessments. Commissioner Lee asked whether there were any plans to protect the coast and marine life. Ms. Hayashi responded that TPL would go back and discuss protecting the reef, marine life, and coastal life with the communities. Chr. Chang asked Ms. Hayashi to correct the names of historic Hawaiian trails in the suggestion. For example the "alanui aupuni" is the old government road, not the coastal foot trail as stated in the suggestion. She also recommended that Ms. Hayashi contact the State's Na Ala Hele program for information on the historic trails on the suggested property that are considered government -owned. After the meeting, Chr. Chang offered to provide the nominator with a map of trails on the suggested property thought to be government owned and some information on trail names. There being no other questions, she moved to Sugg. 23-02 and invited public testimony. b) Sugg. 23- 02, Punahoa Heritage Forest, S. Hilo, Hawaii. TMK ( 3) 2- 5- 01: 11. Ms. Toni Bissen, Executive Director of the Pu'a Foundation, presented the organization's goals on their website. She spoke about the conservation easement of 1,052 acres, land management plan, and willing sellers. She agreed that the existence of historic trails on the property should be checked. Commissioner Lee asked about reforestation funding efforts with the state, such as DLNR and DOFAW. Ms. Bissen said they are still learning about available programs and financial support. Commissioner Lee suggested ideas to help with the forest management plan. Commissioner Ward asked for clarification regarding developing a wellness center, bathrooms, and other structures. Does this conflict with the conservation easement? Commissioner Bissen stated there will be little or no development on the property. Approve Minutes of March 13, 2023 Page 3