2007-11-13 Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Commission Minutes

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Chair Kaneshiro noted that these communications have been received and filed. DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE REPORT Mr. Yada addressed the Commission that escrow has closed for Waipi`o and the first purchase under the open space fund has been completed. Mr. Yada noted that the County submitted grant applications with the State Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Legacy Land Fund for 1.5 million and U.S. Fish and Wildlife for 1 million to acquire the Kawa`a properties owned by Mr. Olson. Escrow has opened for the Kawa`a parcels owned by Marcia Johnson and the County is hopeful that it will close despite property title issues. Mr. Yada did mention that if we close escrow on Kawa`a next year, the funds from the open space fund will be used up through 2008. Ms. Garcia asked if there was anymore grant sources which could be used. Mr. Yada replied that you cannot use two Federal grant sources together at the same time and noted that at this point the County has applied for both State and Federal funds to acquire Kawa`a (Olson properties). Mr. Yada mentioned the concern for management and maintenance of properties acquired by the County and suggested to the Commission that they submit a request in writing to the Mayor and the Hawaii County Council to possibly use a portion of the two percent fund to go towards management and maintenance. Mr. Kaneshiro asked if the County approached the Waipi`o non - profit group, Friends of the Future for help. Mr. Yada replied that the County wants to initiate a community effort and noted that it needs to be an open selection process. Ms. Garcia added that she spoke with a lady who lives down in Waipi`o who assists people in writing grants and can help the County in looking for non - profit groups who can bring in their own funding sources. Mr. Flores mentioned that it will be difficult if it's an existing County facility whereas if it's new it will be easier to bring in a community group to take care of the area. He further added that a good model for Waipi`o would be the Koke`e Museum in Kauai since it's self - sustaining whereas providing educational information along with a ranger program similar to Waipi`o. Mr. Kaneshiro noted that this would be a good opportunity for the Commission to write a letter to the Hawaii County Council and the Mayor. He further added that now that the Commission has gained success it's an important time to move forward and make it operational. Mr. Yada stressed that since the County does not have the adequate staff to handle management, he and Lea Hong of the Trust for Public Lands met with DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife in regards to certain conditions being met after the grant has been obtained which he feels is a critical component. Ms. Garcia mentioned that the Commission will have to work closely with individuals in the community who may have specialized expertise in those areas. -2-