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

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due to landowners blocking access by building fences, etc. Further, Mr. Crosson suggests that the Mayor write to the State Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) to include language for public access within State land leases and provide adequate time for the public to comment on the sale of remnants. Lastly, have the Mayor write to Kamehameha Schools to restore access to lands which are blocked at this time. Mr. Crosson's plea is to raise awareness and appreciation for the Hamakua shoreline area. Ms. Springer then asked Ms. Self in regards to what authority or position does the Commission or the County have in hiring an abstractor. Mr. Yada suggested that Mr. Crosson contact Na Ala Hele (NAH), which is a division under DLNR, Forestry and Wildlife. Mr. Crosson mentioned that he has been in contact with NAH but due to tremendous backlog feels that if funds are available then it may be easier to just go ahead and hire an abstractor and /or surveyor. Ms. Garcia then thanked Mr. Crosson for his time and efforts of his community advocacy group. Mr. Flores noted that certain sites on the applications submitted were not specific as to the intent and needed more clarification of the easement areas and access points. Mr. Crosson replied that in regards to Koholalele Landing which is a 900+ acre parcel too large for acquisition, if a right - of -way was created the owner could get two parcels as it may be split and may be more receptive to honoring the old sites. Ms. Springer added that there needs to be more clarification and greater specificity of the submittal for Koholalele Landing should the Commission consider the property, and thanked him for his presentation. PETE SPARKS Mr. Pete Sparks, a member of MAMA spoke in support of Communication Nos. 07 -038 — 07- 047 in regards to a stretch of lands along the Hamakua coast. He presented an older map showing the coastline from Kukuihaele to Laupahoehoe highlighting that back in the "old days" there were many plantation landings and docks and hundreds of places to fish from the top of the pali and now there is no place that you can go without trespassing over private property. Mr. Sparks then summarized with a story about a fisherman "your neighbor" who went down to the landing to pass some time, who's ocean access is shrinking everyday, while in the meantime a deal was concluded and a new gate blocked his way and the fisherman "your neighbor" never returned. Mr. Sparks concluded by saying "let's buy those gated landings and get our access back and restore the people's right -of -way. " Mr. Gilmartin asked what was the date of the map and Mr. Sparks replied that it was dated 1984 and it's a sugarcane company map which does not depict access or fishing areas. Mr. Gilmartin then asked Mr. Sparks to provide a copy for the Commission. Mr. Flores added that old cane haul roads or government roads could further be identified on the map for possible public access points. -3-