2009-02-09 Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Commission Minutes

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Ms. Moon indicated that Ms. Hecht was campaigning for the 2% Bond. Ms. Moon would have instructed her to contact the Mayor. Ms. Self indicated that she should contact the Councilmen. Ms. Garcia believes that Ms. Hecht wants the commission to put an official suggestion in support of the 2% Bond. Ms. Moon indicated that it is her understanding that it is not the responsibility of this Commission. Ms. Garcia was in agreement with this statement. CHAIRPERSON'S REPORT Chairperson, Ms. Garcia had nothing to report to the Commissioners. STATEMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC ON AGENDA ITEMS Ms. Garcia asked the Commissioners, if it was ok to hear from the Public. It was carried unanimously by voice vote 10:18 a.m. Bradely Westervelt, legislative assistant to Councilman Guy Enriques spoke to the Commissioners. He indicated that Councilman Enriques is in receipt of a letter submitted by Ms. Debbie Hecht. She indicated that she wanted to speak with the Councilman regarding taking pictures of the parks in the Ka`u district. This was to create an effort to find out where the public open spaces are located. Mr. Westervelt wrote to Ms. Hecht informing her that the map is already included in the Annual Report, submitted by PONC to the Mayor. Mr. Westervelt has not heard any response from Ms. Hecht. Mr. Westervelt wanted to know what her efforts were all about or if the Commission was directing her. Ms. Garcia informed Mr. Westervelt that Ms. Hecht is not acting on behalf of the Commission; neither can she speak on her behalf. Mr. Westervelt is unsure, if Councilman Enriques should be giving this further thought. Ms. Hecht had not provided enough information to the Councilman to proceed any further. Ms. Garcia indicated that Ms. Hecht is working with Community Group Alliance. The group is trying to get a real grasp as to where the public accesses for the beaches are around the county of Hawaii. Ms. Garcia informed Mr. Westervelt that Debra Chang was contracted by the county to compile information on all public accesses in the county of Hawaii. However, this information has not been able to be inputted. Ms. Hecht has also been trying to obtain an overview of the open spaces, public accesses and easements around this island. This is the focus of the community group alliance (Open Lands and Public Access Alliance - `OLAPA), which Ms. Garcia is apart of. Ms. Garcia indicated that Ms. Hecht wanted to personally hire a lady that does GIS, in order to provide the public with a view of all development applications over the island. So that the public is aware as to how many sites need to be protected. Ms. Garcia indicated that she maybe wrong in her understanding of Ms. Hecht's intentions. Ms. Garcia agreed with Mr. Westervelt that Ms. Hecht does need to clarify to the Councilman what is her intent. It would be nice if Councilman Enriques would inquire this of Ms. Hecht. -3-