2006-02-21 Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Commission Minutes (Kona Mtg)

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Mr. Crosson also indicated that the County is in the process of auctioning these surplus sugar lands and perhaps the County could exchange these current surplus sugar lands with current landowners along the coastline. 2. Pete Sparks Mr. Sparks is also a member of the Mauka Makai Access Committee (MAMA). Mr. Sparks is speaking on behalf of the Hamakua Ditch. Mr. Sparks indicated that the Hamakua Ditch runs along the old Homestead Road, which is now called Kapena Road. In the old days, this road used to connect to the Old School Road which then connected on to the Old Mamalahoa Highway. Mr. Sparks resides on the lower end of Kapena Road. Mr. Sparks indicated that another family also resides on this Kapena Road. A section of the crossing of the Hamakua Ditch runs under the Kapena Road. This Kapena Road is overgrown and approximately one mile long and is maintained by both Mr. Sparks' family and the other family. Mr. Sparks indicated that this certain remnant could be used as a future "trail site." This certain piece of property should be preserved for future use. Vice Chairperson Hannah Springer asked Mr. Sparks if he contacted the "Na Nahele" Program within the Division of Forestry and Wildlife regarding this particular trail. Mr. Sparks replied in the negative. Ms. Springer suggested that he contact this office located in Hilo and maybe they can provide information or status of this site or action he could take. 3. Ambika Kosada Ms. Kosada gave oral testimony in support of her vision for the Takashiba family parcel. It is listed as Communication No. 06 -064 on today's agenda. Ms. Kosada spoke on behalf of herself and her neighbors in Napoopoo. She and her neighbors are proposing a floodway park on the parcel located next to the farm she is currently residing on, the Takashiba family parcel. This property has water runoff that traverses through the property which eventually enters the Kealakekua Bay. She has spoken to the Soil and Water Conservation District about the best way to handle these waters coming down in to this property. Ms. Kosada envisions this property being converted to a water recreational park. This would alleviate the problem of the water entering into this property and damaging the reef as it exits into the Kealakekua Bay. This property is currently owned by four members of the Takashiba family and she indicated that the family may be interested in selling. This property is located next to Cooks Landing and Kinue Terrace. 2