2007-09-10 Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Commission Minutes

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Mr. Yada added that community groups may be interested but they may not have the resources necessary and suggested that the County use a part of the open space fund to maybe have a consultant create a management plan while asking for volunteers to implement this. Mr. Campbell asked if this could be done in- house. Ms. Self replied that as the code is presently written, you could not use the open space fund for management or maintenance of the lands purchased with the open space fund. You would have to amend the code to allow the fund to be used for that purpose. Maybe the Department of Finance would want to introduce a bill to make such an amendment. She further suggested that this could be added into the report. Mr. Flores then stated that an Environmental Assessment (EA) or archaeological survey would need to be done first before a management plan. Mr. Yada added that if you are purchasing vacant undeveloped land, an EA wouldn't be required. Mr. Yada stated that in the case of the Olsen properties consisting mostly of lava lands, historic sites and ponds, there is no vision of future development, maybe on the Johnson property. He suggested that a natural resource management plan be implemented for the Olsen properties. Ms. Schuster added that actions may have adverse affects in terms of the County and suggested that both properties should be combined for natural resources and cultural preservation purposes. COMMITTEE REPORT Ms. Schuster mentioned that a summary of the Special Funding Opportunities Committee Report will be handed out to the Commission. Mr. Campbell then noted that all avenues should be explored to obtain additional funding for the acquisition of properties. Ms. Garcia suggested using the federally funded resources, and gathering information to give to the community groups for them to follow -up. Ms. Garcia added that maybe a list of funding resources be made. Ms. Schuster suggested that more public outreach to the community is needed to encourage involvement. Ms. Springer then mentioned that a directory of these providers /and or resources could be included on the Commission website. She also suggested that the Commission work with TPL and The Nature Conservancy (TNC) to host a workshop inviting the various groups and associations to work and develop receivers within the community. Mr. Yada added that TPL and TNC would be a better sponsor since that is their mission, as he already met with them on discussing the management issues and development of receivers. Ms. Springer asked how the Commission does this. Ms. Self suggested that they discuss with Mr. Michael Katz of the Hawaii Island Land Trust to see if he would be interested in attending a future meeting and include in the newspapers to also invite the public for community input.