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

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Kamehameha Schools to work together to find ways to give public access on these leased lands from Kamehameha Schools. On the Lessor's contract it states "quiet enjoyment" and Kamehameha Schools cannot force them to open their gates to the public. Private landowners like Parker Ranch don't have to give public access. But, there are ways to get around this and Kamehameha Schools are presently working together with Mayor Kim and Mr. Higa. General open public access on to Kamehameha School lands are very expensive. The liability and cost are the driving factors. Mr. Fergerstrom shared an example regarding this cost. Kamehameha Schools acquired 11 acres of land on the floor of the Waipio Valley. In return to keep Waipio Valley open to the public, Kamehameha Schools was threatened by the Department of Health that if toilets were not installed Kamehameha Schools would be fined $2,000 per day for not addressing the issue on human waste. In order to address that, Kamehameha Schools installed porta potties, but then got into trouble with the DLNR for violation of the conservation zone for having the porta potties, but they are currently working on an agreement. Presently, Kamehameha Schools spends $13,000 a year to hire a part -time caretaker, which only checks for non - camping on the beach and trash and for four porta potties. Of this $13,000 cost, $8,000 is only for the cost of the porta potties. Kamehameha Schools is presently actively working together with the County of Hawaii, Department of Parks and Recreation to share in the cost of these expenses. On any weekend 90 -100 cars travel in and out of the Waipio Valley. For this reason, the Kamehameha Schools are willing to do partnerships. The Kamehameha Schools desire is to work with a group, rather than an individual. The Kamehameha Schools is a non - profit organization and therefore cannot charge a fee for access. The Kamehameha Schools is self sufficient and does not rely on public funds. Should a developer want to develop a particular parcel of land, the land manager must tell the trustees 1) what is the legacy of the Will of Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop; 2) the cultural history for that particular parcel; and 3) the economic benefits. It has to connect back to the genealogy and the cultural connection has to be real. Mr. Kamakani Dancil was educated at and graduated from the Kamehameha Schools and has been employed for Kamehameha Schools for one year. Mr. Dancil spoke on preserving and restoring of the legacy lands. The agricultural lands income supports the educational resources at the Kamehameha Schools. The budget for this island is in excess of 1.5 million. Mr. Dancil gave an example for each district on the Big Island where the Kamehameha Schools are working to preserve and restore the lands. For example, at Keauhou, the Kamehameha Schools took back the lands from Dillingham and have spent over $1 million dollars to restore the koa trees in that