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C.Kimo Alameda,Ph.D. o��t.r,gs yam' Deborah Chang <br /> Mayor . Alex Kelepolo,Chair <br /> Amedeo Markoff <br /> William V.Brilhante,Jr. <br /> *• Deborah J.Ward <br /> Managing Director Q.- -.-� Jodie Rosam,Vice Chair <br /> ��r•� :':•.�* Justin Lee <br /> Cayla Crivello <br /> County of Hawaii <br /> PUBLIC ACCESS, OPEN SPACE, AND NATURAL RESOURCES <br /> PRESERVATION COMMISSION <br /> 25 Aupuni Street- Suite No. 1101 • Hilo, Hawaii 96720-4245 <br /> Phone (808) 961-8069 • Fax(808) 961-8248 <br /> December 19, 2024 <br /> The Honorable C. Kimo Alameda, Ph.D. <br /> Mayor, County of Hawaii <br /> 25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2603 <br /> Hilo,Hawaii 96720 <br /> Dear Mayor Alameda, <br /> It is my privilege to present the 2024 Annual Report of the Public Access, Open Space, and <br /> Natural Resources Preservation Commission(PONC). This report reflects the collective efforts <br /> of the Commission and the community to protect and preserve Hawaii Island's invaluable open <br /> spaces and natural resources. <br /> This year, the Commission continued its mission by reviewing and prioritizing properties that <br /> embody the values of preservation,public access, and resource protection. The 2024 Prioritized <br /> List highlights ten properties, each carefully evaluated for its urgency,public benefit, cultural <br /> and environmental significance, and management potential. These properties, detailed in the <br /> report,represent the community's vision for a sustainable future and the ongoing commitment to <br /> safeguarding our island's heritage. <br /> A significant highlight of 2024 was the progress made by the Department of Finance in <br /> streamlining the stewardship grant process. These enhancements addressed longstanding <br /> inefficiencies and realigned the program with its original intent. From clearer timelines to <br /> improved evaluation tools, these changes are helping ensure that grants effectively support the <br /> preservation of acquired properties and fulfill the program's purpose. <br /> Looking ahead, the Commission will continue its efforts to identify and prioritize properties for <br /> preservation, support the stewardship grant program, and enhance processes to ensure <br /> transparency and effectiveness. While challenges such as staffing limitations persist, we remain <br /> 1 <br /> Hawai`i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer <br />