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

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Ms. Springer then asked Ms. Self if she had any comments on situations where property owners have no intention to sell and ask that their property is removed from consideration. Ms. Self mentioned that in the process of finalizing their 2007 Annual Report, a letter was received requesting that a property be removed from the list of which it was too late. However, in the future they should indicate in their report as to not mislead the Mayor or Council. Mr. Flores asked Mr. Kim if the County has any suggestions on how to sort the lists and ways to handle priority order. Mr. Kim replied that whatever changes they make to the list needs to be explained and identified. The format of purchase lies with the Council who has the final authority. Mr. Kim then asked the Commission to not put properties on the list that can't be purchased. It's very misleading as the community does not understand the process. He added that it is very difficult to condemn properties strictly for park use or community benefits. He doesn't want to see a property purchased and left alone to become "trash cans." Mr. Campbell noted that the Commission represents the public and they should not remove properties from the list regardless of whether the landowners have no intentions to sell. Mr. Kim asked that out of respect for everyone along with landowners, the Commission explain in detail to the community, the process of how everything works so they understand. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Flores moved that approval of the minutes of January 14, 2008 regular session is deferred to the next meeting on March 10, 2008. Seconded by Vice -Chair Campbell and carried unanimously by voice vote. WRITTEN COMMUNICATION Communication No. 08 -001: Letter to Council Chairman Pete Hoffman and Members of the County Council from Mayor Harry Kim, re: Nomination of Sarah B. Moon to the County of Hawaii Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Commission for Council District 4. Communication No. 08 -002: Letter from Debbie Hecht, re: Open Space Bond and Parklands Foundation. Ms. Hecht told the Commission that it's a mistake and betrayal of voter's trust to use a portion of the open space fund for management plans. This will diminish the funds and nothing will be left for acquisitions. She suggested that since the Council is working on their budget that they include additional money under Parks and Recreation (P &R) for management. Another alternative could be establishment of a private parklands foundation by working with community based ohana or a friend of the park group responsible for each property. It could be a