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

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Tsutsui responded that he was not familiar with the process. Cmr. Brandt then asked whether he had obtained any community support for the nomination. Mr. Tsutsui stated that the idea had come up over the years and that he decided to submit the nomination after seeing an article about the process. Cmr. Rosam referred to the application form, noting that Mr. Tsutsui had checked “yes” to the question asking whether he had partnered with government agencies or nonprofit organizations. She asked whether he had been working with anyone. Mr. Tsutsui responded that he had not and reiterated that the process was new to him. In response to further questions, he stated that he had not spoken with Parks and Recreation, even though he believed the area could become a Parks and Recreation responsibility, and confirmed that restrooms are available at Kaumana Park. Cmr. Rosam then advised Mr. Tsutsui that the Commission would conduct site visits and return in July for final ranking. She encouraged him to reach out to the State and State Parks, build connections, and submit any additional information before the July meeting so the Commission could better understand whether PONC would be an appropriate fit. Chr. Chang added that it would also help if he connected with others interested in the project who might be willing to help steward portions of it. Mr. Tsutsui acknowledged the suggestions and thanked the Commission. Chr. Chang noted that Ms. Deborah Ward repeatedly raised her hand during the discussion and asked whether she wished to testify on that item. Ms. Ward confirmed that she did and explained that she had accidentally left it off the sign-in sheet. Chr. Chang then allowed her testimony to proceed. DEBORAH WARD, testified in support of the nomination. b. Sugg. 26-02, Ka‘awali‘i Gulch Beach & Estuary, North Hilo, Hawai‘i TMK: (3) 3-6-005:014-0002, 015; (3) 3-9-001:017 CHRISTIAN GIARDINA, testified in support of the nomination BLAKE MCNAUGHTON, President of Makahanaloa Fishing Association, testified in support of the nomination. V. Chr. Britt asked about the purchase price for the property, noting that although the nomination contained a strong narrative, she had not been able to find that information in the materials. Phaethon Keeney responded that the purchase price was $3.2 million. Chr. Chang asked whether Nā Ala Hele had confirmed that the Ala Loa trail was located where it appeared on the map included in the nomination. Ms. Keeney stated that, based on her discussions with Jackson Bauer, the historic maps supported that alignment, but questions remained as to whether any public access rights may have been affected by the later construction of the highway. She explained that she had been attempting to find someone to research the deeds and determine whether the route had ever been legally extinguished. She further stated that, from the information she had reviewed, there did not appear to be documentation showing that the road had DRAFT v.1 BS - Minutes of March 9, 2026 Page 7