2006-10-09 Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Commission Minutes (Hilo Mtg)

Home

CLIVE CHEETHAM Mr. Cheetham came to speak on behalf of Communication 06 -107 ( Waiele). Mr. Cheetman asked if the purpose of his speaking today was to encourage the Commission to put Waiele on the list. Mr. Flores stated in their speaking to the Commission, they are giving the Commission more background information so when the Commission does an assessment of the property, it will help decide where on the list as a priority it will be. Ms. Self stated the purpose of his testimony was to share his support of this property and that helps the Commission evaluate the Survey Form. All properties that are on the Survey Forms are evaluated by the Commission; whether or not it makes it on the priority list is determined by the Commission. Mr. Campbell stated to Mr. Cheetham the particular information that he was bringing today was so vital to the Commission in making their assessment. The more particulars the Commission has the better chance it has in going through the process. Mr. Cheetham spoke of John Orr who defended the paving of the road from the 1960 lava flow to Honolulu landing. He lived at Kahuwai. Mr. Orr put a lot of effort in making sure this portion of the Big Island was preserved and protected from development. Mr. Orr's focus was for everyone on the island. Mr. Cheetham stated in his 27 years of living here, this is the first time a large portion was suddenly in Hawaii Homes. There are a lot of people who think AG -1 zoning out in the wilderness is an error. Mr. Cheetham stated someone with a lot of money could come in and do an AG -1 subdivision and split the area. Mr. Cheetham stated if this were to be developed, it would split a large area of undeveloped land and impact the coast. Mr. Flores asked Mr. Cheetham what his vision was of this site. Mr. Cheetham stated he didn't want to see it chopped up into AG -1 or AG -3. The County could purchase simply to leave it alone or purchase and encourage people to visit the area and use the trial. Mr. Cheetham stated his interest was so it doesn't fall into the hands of speculative development. Mr. Cheetham stated it's a tricky area; the coast line is very wild. Mr. Campbell stated when Chris Yuen came to speak to the Commission, he informed us of other tools that the County could use. There are other options besides just purchasing. Ms. Springer stated in the written testimony they have, there is a statement that there is several endangered species, what are they? (female voice from public) Beach grass; it's the best place in the whole State for that.