2007-06-12 Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Commission Minutes (Hilo Mtg)

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Mr. Campbell stated he did not want to see this fund being picked apart for maintenance. He suggested to trying to find other funds or create another fund. Mr. Campbell reiterated what Mr. Yuen said before that maintenance was related to the use that the land was going to be put to, for example, if it's just a conservation easement, leave the land as is. Mr. Campbell stated he thought the priority should be trying to form local groups that were willing to step up and say they'll take care of this property; that would be the most desirable. Ms. Garcia stated she agreed with Mr. Campbell and that she would be willing to work with small community groups in Kona to support and maintain their little public accesses that they have. Ms. Garcia stated since a subcommittee was formed to look for additional funding through different resources maybe we could take into consideration trying to develop maintenance funds too. Ms. Springer stated when the Suggestion forms come in, this Commission looks to see if they have identified community groups that are already established and working in that area. That is something this Commission takes into consideration in their evaluation of a site; looking at the strength of the community support and participation. Ms. Springer stated that was done previously in the Commission's evaluation of the Suggestion Forms. Ms. Garcia stated she was really concerned about maintenance; what if there was a local group taking care of a certain site but the person filling out the form did not add that piece of information in. Ms. Springer stated they hear those same comments at the public meetings they had been to and they have entered into a discussion with the public. Mr. Campbell asked Ms. Self if each council member had a discretionary fund. Could those funds be used for maintenance? Ms. Self stated yes because discretionary funds had to be used for public purposes and programs that were already in place with the Department; so it could be placed into Parks & Recreation for maintenance of a park. Ms. Garcia asked if each council member had a discretionary fund that was allotted to them every year. Ms. Self replied yes. Mr. Flores stated another alternative would be to petition the Council to include another position in the budget. Mr. Flores stated in the upcoming budget, perhaps another position or positions for half -time could be added to the budget to handle additional work hours that may be needed for maintenance purposes. 10