2006-09-11 Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Commission Minutes (Kona Mtg)

Home

Communication No. 06 -105: Attachment dated August 17, 2006 by Stephen J. Small, Esq., re: President Signs Into Law New Conservation Tax Incentives Under the 2006 Tax Act. Chair stated that the new tax incentive law (Communication No. 06 -105) could be renewed but as it stood right now, it's only good for the 2006 -2007 tax year. It could be individuals or corporations. If you do a conservation easement, such as protecting a forest, you can take a 50 % reduction of your AGI (adjusted gross income). If you do it on agricultural land, you can take 100 % of the value of the easement. You can carry the balance over for 15 years the value of the property. Ms. Self stated this was also forwarded to the Mayor's office. Ms. Garovoy stated the County would be a qualifying entity to donate a conservation easement as well as other non - profit groups. DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE None CHAIRPERSON'S REPORT Chair stated several weeks ago he went to the County Council meeting and testified on behalf of the Waipi`o Valley lookout purchase. Chair stated they shouldn't buy the property to make a giant parking lot out of it, they should plan on a cultural center; possible ranger station. He mentioned considering partnerships such as Kamehameha Schools who have a vested interest in the valley. Chair stated he got a call from Councilman Bob Jacobson saying he was submitting a resolution to the Finance committee for the County to purchase Kawa`a and Punalu`u, so he would go and testify about that. Ms. Self asked Chair what if the County Council asked him how much of Kawa`a should they consider. Chair stated from the road over. He also stated next to Kawa` a, with the big house, they could possibly gain favor with the County. They have other acres down there that they could put into a conservation easement; it would join the Ed Olson property which would join the property that Marcia Johnson has on the market. It would protect the heiau on the top. Chair stated they didn't anticipate development down there; the road wouldn't be paved. There's a lot of archaeology down there which was protected right now. Mr. Campbell asked if anyone addressed the issue of Abel being down there. Chair stated he didn't think so. Personally, he would like to see Abel stay as the park caretaker however he may have to be made a County employee. 17