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

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CHAIRPERSON'S REPORT Chair Kaneshiro reviewed the minutes of June 12, 2007 and mentioned that there are a lot of good suggestions for the report to the Mayor. He then thanked Ms. Springer and Ms. Self. COMMITTEE REPORT Mr. Campbell reported that he and Ms. Garcia met with Ms. Schuster to identify additional funding sources. Some items discussed were to possibly have a round of public meetings on lands that are targeted for preservation and to work with public of the community on the development of management plans. Mr. Campbell then noted that some sources could be through local community associations, TPL, tax breaks on conservation easements and /or cash settlements for the value of the land relative to easements placed on lands, privately operated concessions and/or camping thereby charging fees which would be turned into management funds or local stewardship and /or community groups to help develop management plans presented to the community. Mr. Campbell then asked Mr. Yada as to whether there would be the possibility of any future legacy land designation on the island of Hawaii. Mr. Yada replied that the County would be able to apply for funding for additional properties in the future. Mr. Campbell then mentioned the availability of federal funding for coastal areas and endangered species under the Coastal and Estuarine Land Conservation Program of which requirements would need to be met by the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration. Mr. Campbell also is requesting assistance to develop a brochure as a public notice for communities providing them with more information. Mr. Gilmartin then added that the National Fish & Wildlife Foundation may be a potential for additional management funding. Ms. Springer then questioned Mr. Campbell on how the Commission will be able to use the different resources. Mr. Campbell replied that it's centered on the management aspect for funding and once the plans are developed the resources will become available. He further noted to Ms. Springer that in working with the community groups, the Commission would submit a list of the various resources along with the management plan to the Mayor. Ms. Garcia and Mr. Campbell expressed their willingness to remain on the committee to find these resources, as did Ms. Springer, however stressed community involvement. Mr. Gilmartin then questioned the responsibility of the Commission on having to seek additional funding resources and suggested that members in the community and organized groups needed to "step up" and get involved. Mr. Campbell and Mr. Gilmartin discussed that management plans needs to be developed for the highest prioritized properties on the list by initiating community outreach groups. Ms. Garcia then suggested that she would be willing to attend a community meeting in Honoka`a for the Haina to Pd'auhau request. -12-