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

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Commissioner Flores made a Motion for this commission to support the 2% ballot initiative for open space which would remove the current 5 million dollars limit on funds in the open space fund as well as have a set aside of 2% of Hawaii County property taxes revenues for the open space fund with a letter of support to the Mayor and a "cc" to Hawai `i County Council and any other appropriate individuals or agencies. Commissioner Kaneshiro stated that his biggest concern was that during the lean years when the County does not have enough funding to run the County, it does not state that the monies can be set aside so we don't have to put in the 2% into this account. There should be flexibility so that during lean years, these monies will not be mandated to be put into the account. Commissioner Campbell stated that there maybe a need for compromise down the road but it should not be initiated by this commission, this commission should just support it and let the compromise come from other sources. Commissioner Kaneshiro disagreed. Commissioner Garovoy stated that it's a change to the County Code, it can always be amended again. Should there was a state of emergency the County Council has demonstrated that it's more than capable of getting the money needed. Attorney Leithead -Todd stated that because it's a proposed amendment to the County Code, the County Council at any time, can initiate an amendment to the code to change the percentage. Also because it's set up as special fund, the County Council also has the flexibility during budget to take the money for an emergency situation. However, because it's going into the County Code, the County Council would have to provide if they were going to amend code or adopt a budget session, in either manner the County Council would be required to provide public notice which would give the public an opportunity to testify as to how the County Council want money spent. Chair Replogle called for a vote on the motion, all members voted aye by raise of hands, motion carried. Chair Replogle will draft the letter of support to the Hawai `i County Council. Communication No. 06 -091: Letter from Deborah L. Chang regarding Roads in Limbo. Ms. Chang requested that they consider the specific examples in her letter regarding the acquisition restoration towards partnerships. Commissioner Springer requested to Ms. Chang that she fill out an intake suggestion form for those sites. The communication was moved to receive and file by Commissioner Springer; the motion was seconded by Commissioner Campbell; All members voted aye, motion carried. Communication No. 06 -092: Letter dated April 12, 2006 from Elfie Wilkins regarding lands to be considered for purchase was moved to receive and file by Commissioner Garovoy; the motion was seconded by Commissioner Campbell; all members voted aye, motion carried. 7