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

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Ayes: Commissioners Brandt, Markoff, Rosam, Lawson, V. Chr. Britt, Chr. Chang Noes: None. VI. NEW BUSINESS: 1. 2026 Suggestions: Commision’s review, discussion, and interviews of the nominators of each suggestion. a. Sugg. 26-01, Kaumana Caves State Park Extension, South Hilo, Hawai‘i TMK: (3) 2-2-006:003 KENT TSUTSUI (nominator), testified in support of the nomination and provided additional information about the property. Mr. Tsutsui provided additional information he had gathered after submitting his nomination. He stated that he recently visited the area and observed two visitors exiting the south side of the cave network. According to Mr. Tsutsui, the visitors told him that portion of the cave was about 900 feet long and walkable, and that when they exited, the surrounding forest was so dense that they had to return the way they came. He stated that he wanted to provide this information regarding the condition of the cave. Chr. Chang confirmed that the nomination involved an extension of Kaumana Caves State Park. She also asked whether the portion of the cave being discussed was technically not open. Mr. Tsutsui responded that, based on what he observed, it appeared open and accessible, with no gates or obstructions, and that people seemed to know about it because it is visible on Google Earth. V. Chr. Britt stated that, after reviewing the proposal, she was unclear what would be protected through a conservation easement, particularly because the application also referenced a building or service area hub for emergency services. Mr. Tsutsui responded that those uses were secondary and that the primary purpose was to protect the cave, specifically the exit area located on the subject property. He explained that the cave appeared to be a popular destination and that he was concerned that development in the area could encroach into the cave network. When asked again what the easement would protect, he stated that it would protect the Kaumana cave network. He also stated that other community uses, such as garden plots, orchards, or buildings, would be secondary to the goal of cave protection. Cmr. Rosam asked whether Mr. Tsutsui had spoken with State Parks about his intent. He responded that he had not. Cmr. Rosam noted that, if the State is the current owner, the matter might be something more easily addressed internally within the State rather than through PONC. Mr. Tsutsui responded that the County Department of Parks and Recreation currently maintains the other side of the cave area and suggested that the protected area could be extended. He also stated that expanding the area might help address safety concerns, as the parking lot becomes overcrowded, vehicles park along the roadside, and pedestrian activity has increased with the addition of crosswalk beacons. Cmr. Markoff asked whether Mr. Tsutsui was aware that his application would be stronger if he had a nonprofit partner to help facilitate or steward the parcel. Mr. DRAFT v.1 BS - Minutes of March 9, 2026 Page 6