2006-07-10 Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Commission Minutes (Kona Mtg)

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in locating funding to purchase the property. Chair Replogle suggested that the County may pay for a portion of it. Mr. Alvarez was open to any collaboration. Commissioner Garovoy asked about non - profit organizations. Mr. Alvarez stated that they contacted the Big Island Land Trust and they are assisting him in hiring an attorney. Commissioner Garovoy asked about groups such as E Ke Aina and Mr. Alvarez stated that they were helping by stating not to desecrate. Deputy Corporation Counsel Amy Self then commented about a case that she's currently involved in where a person bulldozed a historical site which was supposed to be preserved. She stated that the State and County depend on the people who live in the area to let them know what's going on. Mr. Alvarez stated that he has a meeting with the Mayor on July 18, 2006 to bring this issue to his attention. Chair Replogle encouraged Mr. Alvarez to not give up because he will succeed. Aileen Alvarez then asked if the Commission would be able to help and Chair Replogle stated yes and the Commission would assist. Chair Replogle stated that the County Council makes the decision as to how the monies will be spent but the Commission can make recommendations. Commissioner Springer commended Mr. Alvarez on his diligence and citizenship on this matter. She stated that after reading the letter from Mr. Clyde W. Namu'o from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, it certainly looked encouraging. Commissioner Springer also looked at the transcripts from his appearance before the Hawaii Island Burial Council and asked about Mr. Lindsey statement that it would be like "capping your cesspool ". Commissioner Springer asked if that was what they were planning on doing. Mr. Alvarez then replied that they will be having another meeting with the Burial Council to discuss putting a temporary cap because the State has to come back for a second time and do a thorough investigation so that they will have an accurate and legal mapping of the cave. Commissioner Springer commented on some of the things that they've done with interim burial treatments in her homeland were putting up temporary signage in the entrance, citing the proper statutes and guidelines and setting up generous buffers over the surface of the cave in its entirety to prevent inadvertent collapse by any of the equipment. Mr. Alvarez stated that they did put signage in the cave stating Kapu and that they will put up more signs stating the laws.