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Sugg 26-02 redacted
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Sugg 26-02 redacted
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and scenic vistas. It would prevent private ownership lapses in maintenance of an irreplaceable <br /> natural ecosystem, prevent expensive and long community fights to restore access, and provide <br /> cultural and educational opportunities for many. Because Ka`awali`i was inhabited but originally <br /> reserved as crown lands,living descendants in the area would benefit from public preservation. <br /> This parcel contains the Ala Loa and is part of an important cultural corridor connecting the <br /> Hilo/Hamakua Heritage Coast.Although no longer dominated by native species,this parcel is <br /> fully forested providing watershed and ecological services, and native species can still can be <br /> found here, active stewardship and access would be significant to the advancement of knowledge <br /> &health of stream ecosystems in Hawaii. FOR MORE DETAIL SEE SECTION B. <br /> 2) Describe any significant historic, cultural, or natural resources on the property <br /> Situated at the junction of the ahupua`a of Humu`ula and Kahoahuna (subsection of the broader <br /> Waipunalei Ahupua`a)between the Laupahoehoe and `0`6kala communities,this parcel is <br /> connected within a large and ancient historical context and retains sites that should be <br /> preserved and studied. Ka`awali`i Stream is a significant aquifer, natural resource, and rock& <br /> pebble beach ocean access,along what is otherwise the mostly inaccessible pali cliffline. FOR <br /> MORE DETAIL SEE SECTION B. <br /> 3) Describe and include maps showing any significant relationship to larger <br /> historical, cultural, and/or natural landscape. (i.e. corridor, agricultural field <br /> systems, conservation strategy, etc.)The abutting property to the North is State owned <br /> and is part of the Forest Reserve system operated by the Laupahoehoe Train Museum as the <br /> "`0`6kala Community Forest."This nomination does fit well within the larger community <br /> priorities as outlined in the 2018 Hamakua Community Development Plan Section 4 pg 54-77 <br /> PROTECT AND ENHANCE NATURAL AND CULTURAL RESOURCES <br /> for relevant priorities. <br /> The Hamakua CDP Action Committee is likely to address endorsement of this PONC <br /> Nomination of Ka`awali`i in mid February and a letter of support provided soon. FOR MORE <br /> DETAIL SEE SECTION B. <br /> 4) Describe the level of urgency(i.e., the property is currently on the open market <br /> or for sale and if so,for how long, there are current development plans, the <br /> property has an active filed application for re-zoning/subdivision, is an area of <br /> high public use, etc.).Now facing access and ecological remediation issues from all sides, is <br /> the desire of the community to have a more legalized and concrete role to protect this resource <br /> from unchecked use or neglect and restore customary access to what should be a shared space. <br /> The potential sale of Ka`awali`i to an out of state landowner who does not allow public access is <br /> already evident.The community faces a costly legal battle to restore Ala Loa access across the <br /> parcel but will still need to cross private property to reach the beach. The Ka`awali`i parcel is <br /> currently on the market and the price has dropped recently. The realtor, Howard Meguro, <br /> thinks it is priced more competitively now and interest will rise. Correspondence with property <br /> owners, Richard Eldridge, shows little interest in providing/selling a Public Easement.The <br /> urgency of sale is compounded with the significant risk of forcing the general public to walk thru <br /> the aquaduct beneath the highway to use the lower stream and ocean, and need to study and <br /> care for this precious resource. Ka`awali`i is a treasured community space that is a critical <br /> fishery,local swimming area, and cultural site. <br /> 5) Describe any special opportunities for acquisition that presently exist. (Special <br /> funding available, etc.)This parcel is currently on the open market.The nominating group <br /> has informed the owner of the community's interest in preserving the land and will search out <br /> all avenues of funding and partnerships possible.The owner has sent a letter of intent to sell (see <br /> Attachment C) and while the price currently includes 3 parcels, is willing to talk story further <br /> about what Parcel format works for the county.TMK:3-6-005:15 includes the driveway, main <br /> house,pool, and valley. Perhaps PONC could cover this main parcel,while the nominating group <br /> seeks funding for the ADU triangle house (above the pool) on parcel 3-6-005:14 that is CPR`d <br /> with same owner.We are not sure how all this will develop but just nominating as is for now. <br /> Sugg.26-02 17 <br />
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