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

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Ms. Crawford stated the Waipio property which has been approved by Council for negotiations back in August; they have an appraisal and an environmental assessment just starting so that will take a while. Mr. Replogle asked if the current landowner is open to allowing the whole process to go forth to which Ms. Crawford replied yes. Ms. Crawford stated the landowner has a realtor representing them and he has authorized entry onto the property for the purposes of the environmental assessment. They have already contracted the environmental assessment which will begin this week. It's like a 60 -90 day process. Mr. Yung asked what was price on the property. Mr. Kaneshiro stated it was 1.5 but it's been now brought down to 1.1. Ms. Self asked if there was a price on the property right now. Ms. Crawford stated she wasn't sure. She only knew they were just starting the appraisal. Ms. Schuster stated the County can't pay more than appraised price. Ms. Crawford stated the new property manager coming to work for the County on November 1, 2006 will be Harry Yada. Mr. Yada will be establishing a division which has a lot of responsibilities; one of which is this Commission. It's still under Finance; it's a new division that's been developed to handle various land activities. Ms. Crawford stated this Commission will be under that division. Mr. Yada is coming from the State; he's very knowledgeable in managing lands. Mr. Kaneshiro stated in a newspaper article about the Rice property, it was mentioned that the Council needs to prioritize what parcels will be purchased. Is that correct? Ms. Crawford replied not that the Council couldn't take some other action but they've really taken all of their action and so it's back in the administrations hands. If you look at the cash funds available right now, there are 2 million dollars set aside for this purpose. Recess taken at 11:36 a. m. Reconvened at 11:45 a. m. WRITTEN COMMUNICATION Ms. Self stated re: Elfie Wilkins; she didn't send in the Survey Form prior to the September 5, 2006 deadline; therefore, it will be considered for the 2007 updated list. Mr. Replogle stated that the letter Mr. Campbell wrote to the Mayor and Corporation Counsel regarding the 2% ballot initiative was a nice letter. M