2008-10-20 Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Commission Minutes

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DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE REPORT Mr. Yada reported that the County received the reimbursement of the 1.2 million from the DLNR Legacy Land Fund (LLF). The County did receive the appraisal for the Olson properties in Kawa`a which complies with Federal standards and is currently under review. In regards to the Waipi`o property, a eucalyptus tree was cut down and the existing residential structure will be demolished soon since it's not worth salvaging. Mr. Yada noted that no applications were submitted to LLF this year for grant monies this coming year. Townscape is proceeding with the initial stages of the management plan for Honu`apo to Kawa` a. Mr. Flores asked when the deadline would be for the next round of applications for LLF. Mr. Yada replied September or October of next year. Mr. Flores asked what properties the County would submit for next year. Mr. Yada replied that it depends on what comes up on the list based on the property and what fits the type of Federal program you are applying for. The grants are specifically targeted on certain type of resources. Mr. Yada added that once they complete the purchase of Kawa`a, the administration will go back to the Council to seek their direction on what property would be next to purchase. Ms. Moon then asked Ms. Self on whether the Commission can move forward on obtaining LLF grant monies for any property or only ones that have resolutions from the Council. Ms. Self replied that if you read the ordinance that created PONC, the Council decides which properties to authorize the County to purchase. There's nothing in the ordinance that says the Council has to choose from the priority list of properties. Mr. Yada added that in the balance of power between the Council and the administration, the County cannot purchase anything unless the Council authorizes the purchase. Ms. Garcia stressed that if they are not going to have any money, they should focus on the requests that don't require money and focus on easements and public access ways. Mr. Yada pointed out that just because we're not applying for LLF doesn't mean we don't have money; anything you do in conjunction with access ways would still need to be on the list and sent to Council for approval. We do have money to work with; however the issue we need to determine is if the property is for sale or not. Ms. Springer suggested that in early 2009, they can form a sub - committee to look into easements and make a recommendation for next year. Ms. Self said that she will contact County Planning Department to see if they have a hard copy of the listed easements that the County is currently working on. -2-