2024-07-08 Minutes APPROVED - Laserfiche WebLink

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e) Sugg.24-05, Kawainui Makai,S. Hilo, Hawai'i. TMK(3)2-7-011:001&(3)2-7-010:027 PHAETHON KEENEY spoke in support of Sugg. 24-05. She mentioned that the property is still for sale and has had a slight price drop. Chr. Kelepolo moved on to bring the next agenda items, Sugg. 24-02 and 24-06, to the table and turned the meeting over to V. Chr. Rosam before leaving the room at 10:30 a.m. b) Sugg.24-02,Joseph Rock Arboretum, N. Kona, Hawai'i. TMK(3)7-4-008:057 DEBBIE HECHT, President of Moku O Keawe Land Conservancy, testified in support of Sugg. 24-02. She said that Jill had just received matching funds from the Natural Resources Conservation Service for clearing and planting and had obtained an expansion of the climate-controlled seed bank. She also stated that Jill got a permit to build the pavilion. A discussion ensued between the commissioners and Ms. Hecht, at which point Secretary Braman reminded everyone that time was for testimony only and the commissioners could have their discussion after testimony was finished. V. Chair Rosam asked if there was any more testimony for that suggestion. There being none, she asked if commissioners had further discussions. There being none, she moved on to the next suggestion and welcomed the next testifier to the table. f) Sugg.24-06, Nani Kai Hoku Farm Agricultural Easement, N. Kohala, Hawai'i. TMK(3) 5-5-008:069 GAIL BYRNE-BABER, an owner of Nani Kai Hoku Farm, testified in support of Sugg. 24-06. She began by stating that most land trusts having an MRCS easement are required to carry insurance for enforcement of agricultural easements, and 50%of the funding for the ag easement of their farm comes from USDA MRCS. As part of that process, they had to be significantly vetted by the federal government, meeting a variety of criteria and making sure that their farmland made sense to preserve in perpetuity. JANET BRITT was next to testify on Sugg. 24-06. She began by giving a brief background about herself and her experience with conservation easements. She stated that she has been working with Gail since she moved to the island 15 years ago and is currently writing the easement, which should be completed within a week or so. Ms. Britt thanked the commission and asked if anyone had any questions. V. Chr. Rosam opened the floor for discussion amongst commissioners. A discussion ensued between commissioners, Ms. Byrne-Baber, and Ms. Britt regarding conservation easements. V. Chr. Rosam asked if there was any further testimony for Sugg. 24-06. There being none, she opened the floor to the commissioners for discussion. Cmr. Plunkett thanked Ms. Byrne-Baber and Ms. Britt before stating that the suggestion raises a few concerns that he wanted to bring before the commission. He said that, as a Minutes of July 8, 2024 Page 3