2007-04-09 Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Commission Minutes

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Mr. Yada stated the extension granted regarding the County's Waipi`o offer will expire at the end of April. The County offered around $900,000.00 for the property, but the owners wanted at least $1.2 million. The owners are corresponding with other organizations to see if they can make up the difference in the values. Mr. Flores stated that certain packaging or tax incentives may be a way to make the purchase more attractive to the owners. Ms. Springer suggested that the progress of Waipi`o Valley be closely followed and perhaps there should be a procedure established for properties that fall off the list. The ranking of the property may change and this would affect its ranking on the list. Ms. Self indicated that the Code specifies that the list must be updated by December 31st of each year, but that the list can be updated at any time. If the property becomes unavailable it can be deleted from the list. The new list could be sent to the Mayor with a cover letter indicating that the listing has been updated and the reasons for the deletion. Mr. Yada said that the Commission should be aware that Councilperson Ford's office is working on amendments to the ordinance. Some considerations were sent to Finance for comments, but it is not known what the amendments will be. One consideration was to create a grant program out of the fund. There may be problems with having a grant program and an acquisition program running at the same time. The State Legacy Land Fund operates as a grant program. Our program and possibly Kauai is a direct acquisition fund. The intent of the changes may be to facilitate funding from different sources. It will not facilitate a quick acquisition program. One issue to the proposal was that the appraiser be an MAI. An MAI is a certification program for appraisers that are pretty rigorous and educational. An MAI would be more expensive. All federal acquisitions are done by a yellow -book appraiser, perhaps a certain format or training program that the federal government requires of the appraisers. Mr. Yada suggested that as properties are nominated for acquisition that the information should be forwarded to him and he will utilize the GIS program to prepare a graphic presentation for the Commission. Mr. Kaneshiro expressed concern with the high cost of property in Hawaii that the acquisition of parcels may become more difficult. Mr. Yada said it would depend on the owner. In the case of Kawa`a, the owners were willing to sell the property for what they bought it for. It will depend on the owner and what their situation is. Currently the values of land are dropping and there will always be market changes. OFFICE OF THE CORPORATION COUNSEL'S REPORT Ms. Self said she would track the progress of the draft Bill for the amendments to the 2% Ordinance. When the bill comes before the Finance Committee for consideration, she will report to the commissions the findings of the Council.