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

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Ms. Byrne then referred to the Kukuipahu- Hd'ena Corridor as an amazing place with historic and cultural sites protected by kiawe forests and the nature of the land. The property is currently owned by Parker Ranch who is now willing to sell. However, further discussions with the CEO and beneficiaries of Parker Ranch must still be made on the need for preservation of these lands for the community. She emphasized that this stretch of coastline also consists of the most numerous intact pre- contact sites in the State. Ms. Byrne thanked the Commission for placing Mahukona on the comprehensive list in the 2006 Annual Report. They are now moving forward as five groups in Kohala have already approached Surety Kohala Corporation, offering to buy the area, and are currently in the process of developing a plan with a social architect and planner. In addition, this area contains four heiaus, untouched by modern development, one of which is a navigational deepwater heiau. Kaiholena consists of many historic sites; however access has been very restricted. The 260 -acre parcel has since been subdivided and the community has approached the current landowners to possibly do a conservation purchase. Ms. Byrne stressed that the Commission be made aware of this property which is part of the contiguous corridor and important to the establishment and history involved in supporting the rise of King Kamehameha I. Mr. Gilmartin asked how far back from the coast do most of the sites go. Ms. Byrne replied about a mile back from the shoreline; however some portions may be disturbed by the highway. Ms. Garcia then requested for clarification on whether these requests were for acquisition or public access easements. Ms. Byrne mentioned that Kukuipahu- Ha`ena Corridor and Mahukona would be for purchase and Kaiholena would be for access easement purposes. Mr. Flores asked how the properties would be listed if placed in order by urgency. Ms. Byrne replied that it would be Mahukona, Kukuipahu- Ha`ena Corridor, Pao`o and Kaiholena. Ms. Byrne then emphasized on the 30 -year documented history for preservation of these lands in Kohala and stressed that their community groups have always been in support of open space purchases in the other districts of Hawaii, of which most has a pending legislation. or purchase already completed except for the district of Kohala. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Campbell moved for approval of the minutes of July 9, 2007 regular session, seconded by Commissioner Garcia and carried unanimously by voice vote. Discussion with Patricia Engelhard, Director of County Parks and Recreation (Ms. Patricia Engelhard handed out to the Commission documentation for the "Friends of the Park "(FOP) Program and "Parks Community Partnership Program ") (PCPP). She then addressed the Commission that anyone could sign up to clean the parks on a daily, weekly or -5-