2023-03-13 Minutes Approved - Laserfiche WebLink

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Commission Vice Chr. Kelepolo asked for clarification on the 'Ohi'a forest being closed due to the Rapid 'Ohi'a Death Disease. Ms. Bissen confirmed that the area should be open for the site visit. There being no other questions, Chr. Chang moved to Sugg. 23-03; however due to the absence of a representative from Sugg. 23-03, the Chair called for public testimony. c) Sugg. 23- 03, Keopu Flood Mitigation, N. Kona, Hawaii. TMK (3) 7- 5- 03:23. There was no public testimony, Chr. Chang announced that no representative was present for Sugg. 23-03 and instructed the commission to email questions. She expressed the hope that someone would be available to answer questions at the next meeting in Kona. The Chair moved to the next agenda item, Sugg. 23-04, and invited public testimony. d) Sugg. 23- 04, Ke Ala Kahawai `O Waimea, S. Kohala, Hawaii. TMK (3) various. Ms. Amanda Rieux, Program Director for Waimea Middle School, testified in support of Sugg. 23-04. She stated how volunteers of the community maintain the trails and approx. 60 persons daily use the trail. Moreover, she emphasized that the Trail creates a safe passage for the children to walk to school from their homes, which are in close proximity to the trails. To illustrate the dangers, she then recounted the story of the death an of a pedestrian who hadwalked along the busy Waimea highway. Ms. Mimi Kerley testified in support of Sugg. 23-04 for the Waimea Trails (Trail). She stated they received over 40+ letters supporting and preserving the Trail for current and future generations. Ms. Toni Withington testified in support of Sugg. 23-04 and the importance of a conservation easement and/or fee acquisition of the parcels. She confirmed that this project has been ongoing for generations and that the Kohala community continues to use the Trail daily. Because there were no other testifiers, Chr. Chang invited the representatives of Sugg. 23-04 to the microphone: Mr. Clemson Lam, Ms. Zaheva Knowles, and Mr. James Hustace. Mr. Lam, Chairman of the Waimea Trails and Greenways Committee, affirmed his dedicated to developing and preserving the trails. He emphasized the importance of safe passage from schools, shopping areas, and nature walkers, provided by the separation of the Trail from the busy highway. He reported that many volunteers, county assistants, and local organizations help to maintain the trail. He is concerned that sections of the Trail are in danger of being developed, as time passes. Ms. Knowles testified to the importance of extending the trail from mauka to makai, confirming willing land owners, funding partners, and high motivation to complete the Trail. She confirmed that proponents of the trail have raised funds, and obtained a grant to help with the purchase. She explained the "grand vision" of a pedestrian/bicycle pathway from Kuhio Hale at Mana Road to the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail at Mau'umae Beach and Bay. She emphasized that time is of the essence. Mr. Hustace explained the increments of the trail to the maps, landownership, easements, and high -use areas. He confirmed an environmental study was completed. Approve Minutes of March 13, 2023 Page 4