2006-05-30 Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Commission Minutes (Hilo Mtg)

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that there are a number of properties on this list that are viable candidates for acquisition, however not by the County. These properties would be viable candidates for acquisition by the State, federal government or a non - profit organization. Mr. Stanbro suggested prioritizing the partnership list sent to Mayor Kim. Mr. Stanbro specifically indicated three properties on the partnership list that are capable for acquisition and protection for partnership with the State. Mr. Stanbro stated that this Commission should refer to these properties in another way instead of by the owners name for sensitivity issues and also should ownership trade hands. For example, the Cohen parcel should be named South Parcel, in all likelihood would be number 1 because its closest to development. The Reish parcel (north parcel) would be number 2 and the Gordy parcel (middle parcel) would be 3rd Mr. Stanbro indicated that the Legacy Lands fund recently passed at the State level. The State has funding at their level and is interested in seeing these "in- holdings parcels" protect the integrity of the Kohala coastline. The one parcel that Mr. Stanbro did not see on list is Kapua, which is in South Kona, south of Milolii. This is a large parcel of land, with historical sites on it. Monies at the state level for inclusion of this parcel, Kapua, into the South Kona Wilderness area is still not enough. Having a supplement or grant from the County of Hawai` i fund maybe enough to push it over the edge. Mr. Stanbro indicates that the County of Hawaii would not be responsible for maintaining the property, there are no access issues, no members from the public looking for parks and recreational use, because these are what the State would like to see protected. However, the State is not able to do so without partnership with the County of Hawaii. Mr. Stanbro suggested that this commission review the list of protection through partnership sent to Mayor Kim and the County Council and indicate that these parcels are not necessarily for County acquisition, but can Mayor Kim and the County Council actively work towards that. Mr. Stanbro would like to clarify that the Maui and Kauai counties real property tax revenue "set asides" are in their County Charter. It is untouchable by their respective Council. City and County of Honolulu currently has their request on the ballot for November by charter commission and it will be a charter amendment to be voted by the people, it has not been approved thus far. The City and County of Honolulu is slightly different with it being a 1 % set aside, to be divided between affordable housing programs and land protection. Mr. Stanbro strongly endorsed the efforts by the Save our Land Committee initiating this 2% for the County of Hawaii. in