2006-02-06 Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Commission Minutes (Hilo Mtg)

Home

about the beauty of Honolulu Landing and she does not want to see the land developed. Ms. Burgess is a member of the Sierra Club, and as a member of Sierra Club, she and her members have been seeking help in obtaining funding to preserve Honolulu Landing. Ms. Burgess spoke about Oprah Winfrey's influence worldwide on TV in purchasing lands in Hawaii. Ms. Burgess would like to see the Hawaiian lands preserved. Ms. Burgess thanked this Commission for their involvement in this project. 2. Carol Johnson Ms. Johnson is also a resident of Puna and spoke also in support of the Honolulu Landing in Puna. Ms. Johnson stated that she was in full agreement of Ms. Burgess' earlier testimony. Ms. Johnson provided a written request to the Commission and gave it to Cathy. (please see attached.) Commissioner Garovoy stated to Ms. Burgess and Ms. Johnson that Oprah Winfrey did indeed purchase a lot of acreage on the island of Maui, but she also put a lot of her acreage into the conservation district. Commissioner Kaneshiro thanked each of them for presenting their public testimony and informed both Ms. Burgess and Ms. Johnson that the Resource Conservation and Development office, located next door to this office space would be able to assist the Sierra Club in looking for funding and grant writing. The coordinator in this office is Steven Skipper. 3. Mike Staszkow Mr. Staskow is retired from the Army and is currently employed as a teacher with the Department of Education. Mr. Staskow is also an active member of the Honomu Community Association. Mr. Staskow spoke in support of Hakalau Mill. Mr. Staskow provided each Commissioner with his completed Survey Intake Form and copies of his letters written to Chris Yuen, Planning Director, and to the law firm of Bervar & Jones in Honolulu. He also provided a copy of the August 2002 issue and February 2003 issue of the Honomu Village Crier both of which contained an article on Hakalau Mill written by Mr. Staskow. Mr. Staskow shared his ideas for Hakalau Mill and gave a background of his attempts in trying to "re- open" the gate with which he has been unsuccessful for the past five years. Mr. Staskow wants to restore vehicular access to Hakalau Mill. The owner of the property, Mr. Steve Wolff, purchased the property for $68,000 and currently has the property for sale on the internet for $1 million dollars. Mr. Steve Wolff constructed a re- enforced gate and placed boulders in front of the gate. Mr. Wolff is 2