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

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UNFINISHED BUSINESS Commission to discuss drafting of the 2008 Annual Report to the Mayor Ms. Springer noted that the Commission had scheduled a field trip for site visits and asked if there was any interest on trying to reschedule a site visit before the November meeting. Ms. Garcia said that she would like to have a site visit but don't think it will happen. Ms. Springer asked if they will consider putting it on their calendar. Mr. Yada clarified that they will need to schedule two site visits, one for East Hawaii (Honolulu Landing, Wai`ele, Cape Kumukahi, Honoli`i) and one for West Hawaii ( Puapua`a, `O`oma, Kohala properties). Mr. Flores asked what they would actually see if they do site visits since they may require an all terrain vehicle and landowners approval. He suggested that for the November meeting, someone provide visuals and digital pictures of the properties. Ms. Springer asked Mr. Yada if that's what he was describing that the Legacy Land Commission (LLC) does. Mr. Yada replied that two commissioners did a field trip in Kawa`a, of which they had a willing owner who took them to the property. Ms. Springer mentioned that a more effective way of using their time is to have commissioners go out to the various properties and take pictures Ms. Moon asked if they can contact the applicants who submitted the applications for information. Mr. Yada mentioned that it's going to vary by submission since not all landowners are willing to sell. Mr. Flores suggested that a letter of inquiry be sent out to the landowners for clarification purposes. This letter would determine whether or not at this point or in the future if they are interested in selling their property to the County. This would be the primary criteria and the Commission can determine which properties they should look at that already have resolutions passed by the Council. Ms. Springer asked Ms. Garcia to bring visuals of Puapua'a to the next meeting. She then asked Mr. Flores to bring visuals of the Kohala properties (Mahukona, Pa`o`o, Kaiholena and Kukuipahu - Haena). Ms. Moon will gather information for Wai`ele. Mr. Flores commented that `O`oma did not have a resolution passed and we have two months to look at this. We should take a closer look at the properties that already have resolutions passed by the Council and prioritize the resolutions. Mr. Flores noted that a letter should be sent out since situations may have changed now even if the landowners initially expressed their willingness not to sell. The properties that already have resolutions approved by the Council are Punalu`u, Wai`ele, Honolulu Landing, Cape Kumukahi, Puapua`a, Kawa`a, Kaiholena (644 -08) and Pa`o`o (616 -08).