2026-03-09 - Minutes DRAFT 1 - Laserfiche WebLink

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stated that a rope is usually used for safety, particularly at night or when conditions are muddy, although it may not be necessary in daylight and dry conditions. Chr. Chang also asked how boggy the property is. Mr. McNaughton stated that, although there is a spring and a perennial stream on the Hilo side, the property itself is generally not boggy and appears suitable for agriculture. Christian Giardina added that older photographs suggest the area had previously been used almost entirely for agriculture, and Mr. McNaughton noted that it had formerly been bulldozed for sugar cane. Cmr. Rosam asked about plans to pursue state and federal funding, including possible Legacy Land funding. Mr. Giardina stated that these were still initial conversations, but they had met with the U.S. Forest Service regarding the Community Forest and Open Space program, which he understood to have a half-million-dollar cap and a 50 percent match requirement that might be met through a conservation easement. He also stated that Legacy Land was being considered as another opportunity. He explained that, because the proposal contemplates a conservation easement along the shoreline and agricultural use on the back portion of the property, other conservation funding sources might also be available. He further noted that strand vegetation is highly endangered in Hawaiʻi and stated that the property presents restora?on opportuni?es, including possible integration of canoe plants, traditional agroforestry, and strand vegetation restoration. Mr. McNaughton added that there are existing pockets of naupaka, milo, and niu along the shoreline that could be built upon. He further stated that there are also many hala along the shoreline and āhinahina near the spring areas, which help ʻ support the fishing grounds. Chr. Chang then asked about a reference in the nomination to new mills being built in connection with possible timber harvest. Mr. Giardina stated that Pacific Tonewoods was working to establish a mill in the Honokaʻa area and that Kamuela Hardwoods had already built a mill and was working to expand its capacity. Chr. Chang also asked about a reference in the nomination to 50 acres of fencing in the upland, noting that the property itself is smaller than that. Mr. McNaughton stated that the figure was an error and should have referred to approximately 31.1 acres. g. Sugg. 26-07, Lyman Point Property, North Kona, Hawai‘i TMK: (3) 7-7-004:025 Chr. Chang noted that no representative appeared to be present to answer questions and stated that the Commission had received an email indicating that no one would be attending for this suggestion. She further noted that the Commission had reviewed the same proposal the previous year, that she had compared the two submittals page by page and found them to be identical, and that the proposal had received a score of 49 percent the prior year. She questioned whether there was a point in further discussion if no changes had been made and raised the question of whether a site visit should occur. DCC Campbell advised that the Commission should not be discussing the merits of the proposal at that stage because the item was limited to questions and answers. She recommended that, since there was no public testimony and no one present to answer DRAFT v.1 BS - Minutes of March 9, 2026 Page 15