2007-07-09 Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Commission Minutes

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In regards to the parcels owned by Mr. Olson, Mr. Yada mentioned that Lea Hong, of the Trust for Public Lands (TPL), has been working on a draft of the National Coastal Wetland Grant application, however, a meeting last week with Ms. Hong (TPL), Roger Imoto of the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife and U.S. Fish & Wildlife discussed how the implementation of a management plan for the area would be necessary in order to apply for federal resource grants. Mr. Yada stated that the meeting discussed different approaches on how to acquire additional funding resources for the establishment of a management plan while working with community groups. Mr. Yada did also mention about the publicity and hearings surrounding the acquisition of the Punalu`u parcel and how important it is that the Commission be more specific about the land area and the objectives in the description when establishing their lists. Mr. Gilmartin then asked whether the seller of the Olson property in Kawa` a, would be willing to wait for the County. Mr. Yada replied that Ms. Hong of the TPL does have a draft of the application, however, the County needs to come up with some type of strategy for the development of a management plan so that federal funds could eventually be acquired. Mr. Gilmartin then asked whether the 1.2 million from the DLNR LLF is for a specific parcel and Mr. Yada confirmed that it's for the Johnson property, and further stated that the County has two years to use these funds or it will revert back to the State. Mr. Kaneshiro thanked Mr. Yada for attending the meeting on behalf of the County for the acquisition of the Kawa`a parcel. OFFICE OF THE CORPORATION COUNSEL'S REPORT Ms. Self introduced Mr. Bill Brilhante, a Deputy Corporation Counsel to the Commission who will be filling in for her at times for the Commission. Ms. Self then addressed members in the public in regards to the authority that the Commission has and that they are an advisory Commission to the Mayor and under County Code they are responsible for putting together a prioritized list of lands for possible purchase by the County or for other entitlements. This list is then submitted to the Mayor at the end of the year for recommendation and approval to the County Council who then makes the final selection of lands, whether it's on the list or not. Ms. Self did highlight on the fact that the Commission does not have a final say in what lands get purchased but that they are only responsible for preparation of the list. Ms. Springer asked Ms. Self on the status of the disclosure report for properties on the list which Ms. Self mentioned will be forthcoming. Ms. Self also noted that Ms. Pat Engelhard, Director of the COH P &R, will be attending the August meeting and that she will bring a copy of the "Friends of the Park Agreement" for the Commission. - 11 -