2025-11-10 - Minutes DRAFT 2 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Cmr. Chang suggested creating a running list of expenses that were clearly allowed and not allowed for PONC grants, noting that repeat disallowed items appeared in budgets each year and created avoidable review time. Ms. Kekai stated that staff were working on such a list. Ms. Kekai added that staff were defining which costs were the County's kuleana and which were the steward's, using security as an example of a cost the County should carry rather than the steward. She stated that staff planned to maintain and update these lists annually. Ms. Kekai reported that the department planned to implement a new grants software system by next fiscal year which will include an applicant portal for document uploads, checklists, and guidance. She stated that the system would also centralize reporting to improve consistency and access. The commission proceeded to interview applicants. a. STU.26-01,Aumakua Acres—Native plant restoration at Kawa Applicant, Chloe Parsons, came forward to engage in the discussion with the commission. Ms. Parsons began by correcting the reference to "inoculants" in their application and confirmed that the intent was to remove "invasive" species. V. Chr. Crivello asked whether Kealakekua Forest Nursery had consented to participate. Ms. Parsons stated that it had not. She added that she had initiated discussion with the nursery. V. Chr. Crivello asked whether any nonprofits or Native Hawaiian organizations with ties to Kawa or descendant groups were involved. Ms. Parsons stated that none were currently engaged. She said she was new to the process and had not yet connected with lineal descendants or close relatives from Kawa or Ka'u. V. Chr. Crivello noted that the long-range plan included educational signage, place- based education, and tours, and asked if the organization has anyone with experience or knowledge of the area who will be leading that education and supporting those tours. Ms. Parsons stated that she did not have the expertise to lead that work. She said the management plan would include outreach to individuals knowledgeable about Kawa and Ka'u, preferably descendants or residents of the area. V. Chr. Crivello asked whether Ms. Parsons had identified advisors who could direct her to the appropriate community contacts. Ms. Parsons stated that this would be developed in the management plan. Cmr. Britt asked for the size of the project area. Ms. Parsons stated that she did not DRAFT 2-Minutes of November 10, 2025 Page 4