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

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Kahuwai and cultural caretaker of the area. Waiele came up as a potential site for people to get healing and be a safe place. Ms. Jones requested that Waiele be preserved and conserved. Ms. Jones stated Mr. Kalawe stated he could see it being turned into a cultural park; it could even be a tourist destination. If we want people to appreciate Hawaii, we need to show them. Ms. Jones stated she believes that Waiele is one of those places to preserve and restore cultural practices to share with others and help the people who go there to heal. Mr. Replogle asked from Hawaiian shores subdivision to the 1960 lava flow, if all of that through Kahuwai, Wa`a Wa`a, Nanawale Forest Reserve, Honolulu Landing and Hawaiian Shores subdivision was all coastal forest? Mr. Cheetham stated he was addressing between Wa`a Wa`a to the 1960 lava flow. Wa`a Wa`a has already been developed into 3 acres lots with people living there. Mr. Cheetham stated Waiele is geographically in the center of the area between Wa`a Wa`a and the 1960 lava flow. Between there is only one building that Kamehameha Schools owns. Mr. Replogle stated Nanawale Forest Reserve is undeveloped but is the Honolulu Landing undeveloped? Ms. Kubica stated the Honolulu Landing is undeveloped right up till the line of Hawaiian Shores. Hawaiian Shores is developed. The Hawaiian Shores subdivision has land designated for a park; very close to that is a private lot or two between it and Honolulu Landing. Those are undeveloped. Mr. Replogle stated to protect this stretch of coast line, you may have to take Wa`a Wa`a out of it but you could get right around and connect Nanawale Forest Reserve, Honolulu Landing and Waiele up to the 1960 lava flow. Mr. Replogle stated in Kona, they had the big Hokulia dispute. For these people to go in there and say they want one acre agricultural lots, that may not happen. Mr. Replogle stated they don't even want 20 acre agricultural lots; they want to protect it all. Another thing is to get in touch with Na Ala Hele; the trail access system with DLNR and get them to start preparing information on the paved trail and determine now before the developers shows up. A use for this that he's heard is "wilderness park" where you leave it as is. Mr. Replogle stated they need to get together and help the county or whoever acquires the property, to manage it. Mr. Replogle also suggested they talk to the Trust for Public Lands. In this type of thing, you need someone who can sheppard it; someone who's talking to everybody with idea of protecting the whole forested coastline. Mr. Replogle stated they should make a map with colors and mark where the houses are so it's not confusing. Ms. Jones stated her kuleana is Pohoiki. She's currently the president of the Puna Hui Ohana which will be turned into the Puna Hawaiian Civic Club. Ms. Jones asked Mr. Replogle how the Commission could help them. 7