2008-02-11 Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Commission Minutes

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HAWAII COUNTY PUBLIC ACCESS, OPEN SPACE AND NATURAL RESOURCES PRESERVATION COMMISSION MINUTES - REGULAR SESSION February 11, 2008 Department of Liquor Control Conference Room 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 230 Hilo, Hawaii 96720 Present: Chair Hannah Springer Vice -Chair Paul Campbell Commissioner E. Kalani Flores Commissioner Kim Garcia Commissioner Bill Gilmartin Commissioner Sarah Moon Commissioner Laura Schuster Absent: Commissioner Kenneth Kaneshiro Others Present: Amy Self, Deputy Corporation Counsel Harry Yada, Property Manager, Finance Alexandra Kelepolo, Clerk III, Finance CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order by Chair Hannah Springer at 10:05 a.m. Ms. Springer then welcomed Ms. Sarah Moon to the Commission who will be representing District 4 (South Hilo). Ms. Self requested to move "statements from the public on agenda items" first before "discussion with Mayor Harry Kim." STATEMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC ON AGENDA ITEMS DEBBIE HECHT Ms. Hecht expressed her disappointment that Mayor Kim was not present. She spoke on behalf of Puapua`a, a property on the "Top 4" priority list. She noted that it's a significant cultural site, approximately 12.5 acres, which includes a heiau and burials. The property was purchased by the Betsill Brothers in 2006 for 16 million to originally develop into 35 home sites and is currently on the market to be sold for 13.5 million. She added that it's the first property approved by the Hawaii County Council (Council) for acquisition and stressed that it's one of the few vacant parcels left on Ali`i Drive which needs to be preserved. -1-