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

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Mr. Yada also mentioned that Hawaii County Council Member Dominic Yagong has proposed a resolution to amend the prioritization resolution (544 -06) to have Kawa`a and Waipi`o equally as both the number one priorities. The owners of Waipio have accepted the County's offer of $900,000, and by approving this amendment, the County could close the sale since funds are currently available in the open space fund. Mr. Kaneshiro asked if this was a wise move. Mr. Yada stated that the Council should amend the list based on criteria such as the actual assessment, merit, resource, and value of the property and not on what district the property is in. Mr. Gilmartin mentioned that the problem of adjusting the list is that there could be on -going negotiations for a purchase and should amendments continue, eventually the landowners may not want to deal with the County. Mr. Kaneshiro added that when a resolution is passed to start negotiations for "top" lands on the prioritized list, the purchase should be completed based upon which properties is ready to go and not necessarily in order of how it's listed. Mr. Yada stated that unless there is money available in the open space fund, nothing can move. Ms. Garcia highlighted that some of the suggestions is only for easements and not purchases. Mr. Campbell added that it might cost a lot less to purchase easements. Mr. Kaneshiro stated that maybe, in the case of Cape Kumukahi, Mr. Oda could possibly donate the lands for the easement and in return gain legal access to his property. OFFICE OF THE CORPORATION COUNSEL'S REPORT None. CHAIRPERSON'S REPORT Mr. Kaneshiro suggested that the Commission contact representatives of the Kauai and Maui Open Space Commissions to share thoughts and discuss ideas that may be beneficial for everyone. Mr. Kaneshiro stressed that the Commission coordinate for a site visit of the top properties on the prioritized list possibly with someone who has knowledge and expertise of the lands, and in- corporate that information into the annual report. Ms. Garcia added that the Commission also coordinate with the community groups that submitted the applications to give a site visit of the property. COMMITTEE REPORT Ms. Schuster followed up with a summary of discussions between Ms. Garcia and Mr. Campbell. She suggested that a mailing list be sent to community groups and individual associations requesting ideas for support and identifying local organizations that provide grants to purchase lands to present to the communities which may encourage more public involvement. Another M