2007-08-13 Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Commission Minutes

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Ms. Garcia asked if the association would be interested in managing the area should the property be acquired. Ms. Moon replied that she currently has service projects through the Sierra Club and that they do clean -up projects on various properties to preserve coastal wetlands. She noted that they will discuss this at the next meeting. Ms. Schuster asked whether LCA has spoken with the landowner. Ms. Wilkins replied not yet, as she was a little apprehensive that the landowner would increase the price of the property. Ms. Schuster suggested that they work with the landowner, the State, and the County highlighting community interest in regards to the future condition of the property. Mr. Campbell stressed the importance of the landowner's willingness to sell the property as another option would be to declare the property conservation lands and get possible tax break incentives. Mr. Flores then told Ms. Moon to contact the Trust for Public Lands (TPL) or the Hawaii Island Land Trust to help facilitate or provide expertise for conservation designation of lands. Mr. Flores then asked if the property was currently for sale. Ms. Wilkins replied that the property was owned by the Aina family for about 30 -40 years and the property has since been sold to the Mulier family. VIRGINIA ASTE Ms. Virginia Aste, President of "Puna Friends of the Parks" ( PFOTP) spoke in support of Communication No. 07 -037 for Cape Kumukahi. Accompanying Ms. Aste is Mr. Russell Oda, a landowner of a portion of lands in the proposed area. The property consists of lava accreted lands owned by DLNR, the lighthouse area which is owned by the University of Hawaii and Mr. Oda who owns lands adjacent to the State properties. Ms. Aste feels that these lands would be a perfect site for a large regional park as it is heavily used by the public; however there is no legal access or bathroom facilities. She suggested that by obtaining an access easement through a portion of Mr. Russell Oda's property may benefit somewhat by taking the access away from the lighthouse, cemetery and historic sites. Another suggestion was to possibly create a small boat harbor. Ms. Aste then mentioned that PFOTP is a non - profit 501(c)(3) corporation with a long track record of working with the County, State and various community groups /associations. Mr. Campbell suggested that PFOTP work with Mr. Oda to possibly obtain a conservation easement with TPL. Ms. Aste then asked that the Commission make their recommendation to the Hawaii County Council so that grant proposals could be drafted. Mr. Gilmartin asked if a conservation easement would be for the road or the entire property. Mr. Oda replied that at this time, the conservation designation would be only for the road. -3-