2008-01-14 Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Commission Minutes

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In addition a private Parklands Foundation could be formed to develop and manage the lands acquired via the bond and provide continuity to the County for maintenance purposes. She stressed that nationally voters passed over 200 open space bonds. Ms. Springer asked at what level of government did this take place. Ms. Hecht replied all levels of government, however, in Hawaii, the Council could pass the bond by a majority 5 -4 vote. Ms. Springer asked where the annuity funds would come from. Ms. Hecht replied that in a bargain sale deed, the landowner selling the property could establish an annuity to manage the property from the proceeds. She doesn't think that bond monies can be used to establish annuities. Ms. Garcia asked if the bond is paid by taxing homeowners. Ms. Hecht replied that it's a general obligation bond and the interest rate is a little bit lower. Ms. Hecht added that the County floats bonds. For example, if the Council brought forth a proposal to float 100 million dollar worth of bonds, as the County goes out to purchase properties, they use up that amount. Then, as the taxes are assessed on each property, the taxes would be assessed on the payback and principal amount of the bond and each property owner in Hawaii County would pay this. Ms. Hecht concluded that people in Hawaii County is in favor of land preservation. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Vice -Chair Springer moved for approval of the minutes of December 10, 2007 regular session, seconded by Commissioner Campbell and carried unanimously by voice vote. WRITTEN COMMUNICATION Communication No.: 07 -075: Letter to Ida K. Smith from Mayor Harry Kim, re: Sale of lands at Pohoiki Bay to the State or County Mr. Flores asked Mr. Yada for some background on the lands owned by Ida Smith. Mr. Yada replied that this property is located next to Pohoiki boat ramp. Ms. Smith was trying to subdivide her property of which a portion is zoned conservation; however it needs to be for a public purpose. For this reason she wants to sell it to either the State or County for this to happen. Mr. Yada mentioned that Parks and Recreation did a major project in that area and efforts are being made to mitigate the conflicting interest at Pohoiki between boaters and swimmers. Ms. Springer asked where does Ms. Smith go now. Mr. Yada mentioned that he instructed Ms. Smith and her attorneys to submit a form to the Commission to further pursue this request. -2-