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

Home

Mr. Sparks then mentioned that the lower cane haul road could possibly be used as a good resource to provide public access, however fences put up by various landowners, cattle, and landslides have torn up the surface of the road in many areas. Ms. Springer then asked if the lower cane haul road traverses over a number of properties. Mr. Sparks replied that the ownership is complicated and he does not have facts but feels that the road could be saved. Mr. Gilmartin then commented that it's a very interesting idea as a possible historic resource and Mr. Sparks added that the road could even be used as a bike trail. DEBBIE CHANG Ms. Debbie Chang introduced herself as a self employed land use planner doing volunteer work for MAMA in support of Communication No. 07 -020, for a public access easement to Haina (a.k.a. Honoka`a) Landing continuing to Pd'auhau Landing. (Ms. Chang provided three sets of photos along with a map to the Commission of which were all explained in detail). The first set of photos depicts a parcel (Tax Map Key: (3)4 -5- 02:79) currently on the market for 12 million dollars, which shows a fence going way beyond the edge of cliff into the air, effectively blocking off the ability of the public to traverse laterally. This fence was approved as a minor structure by the County Planning Department who do not believe that the fence will affect public access to the shoreline because the area's pali conditions already prevent such access. Ms. Chang then explained the second set of photos which is for Tax Map Key: (3)4 -5 -02:16 showing a house built in the Conservation District, possibly un- permitted, an outhouse built on the edge of the cliff and fences constructed along the 40 -foot setback along the edge of cliff which are both Conservation District and Small Management Area violations. Ms. Chang briefly described the third set of photos which basically shows the ladders along the cliff walls, and further stated how the people in Hamakua are willing to climb down sheer cliffs to go fishing and that the County Planning Department was not aware of this when they issued those minor permits. Ms. Chang is requesting for the Commission's support of MAMA and in particular this request, in that the Commission write a letter to DLNR Office of Conservation and Coastal Lands (OCCL), DLNR Land Division and County Planning Department requesting that they be consistent in ensuring options for the public to walk along the setback from the edge of cliff. Ms. Chang also stated that the area around the historic sugar plantation landings are not designated Conservation District lands which makes it easier for landowners to build homes and lessens the permitting process. Ms. Springer questioned whether the condition of the area not being in the Conservation District was a result of the plantation days and Ms. Chang responded that it was zoned industrial back in those days as the cliff areas were used for shipping supplies, etc. to and from the ships.