2009-04-13 Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Commission Minutes

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Ms. Self noted that she has no problem with the Commission doing this to let the public know that they are still receiving suggestion forms; however they cannot take a political view on this. She added that as an individual they can go to their respective Council members but as a Commission they cannot be politically motivated. (The commissioners went into discussion to review the drafts prepared by Ms. Moon and Ms. Garcia to draft the public service announcement for submission to West Hawai `i Today and Hawai `i Tribune - Herald to solicit suggestion forms) Recess —12:25 p.m. Reconvened —1:00 p.m. (The commissioners continued their discussion) Motion: Vice -Chair Springer moved to approve the PONC press release as amended. Seconded by Commissioner Moon. All members voted aye, motion carried. Ms. Kelepolo will submit the press release to Mr. Hunter Bishop to send to West Hawaii Today and Hawaii Tribune Herald. Ms. Garcia asked the commissioners to work on a "Question and Answer" script for her interview on the radio with Ms. Bracken. She noted that they will add this on the agenda for the next meeting. Motion: Commissioner Hirakami moved to authorize Chair Garcia to make contact with Ms. Bracken to be interviewed and develop a list of questions and answers to be approved at the next meeting. Seconded by Vice -Chair Springer. All members voted aye, motion carried. Mr. Komata suggested that they submit questions and answers to Ms. Kelepolo prior to the meeting and she will forward to Ms. Garcia to review before the next meeting. Mr. Flores added that the questions and answers can come straight out of the County Code. Mr. Flores added that the suggestion forms are due by the end of May. The commissioners added this information into their PONC press release. Motion: Commissioner Moon moved to approve the amendment to the PONC press release. Seconded by Vice -Chair Springer. All members voted aye, motion carried. • Commission to discuss the Mayor's proposed suspension of future deposits to Open Space Fund Mr. Hirakami expressed his interest over some comments made at the Council meeting. He wanted to know if the Commission could set up stewardship funds. He stressed that due to the budget constraints, the Commission should re -think their priorities and instead of just buying lands, they should focus on access, easements, and look at other ways to maximize the money and leverage their position through management and stewardship programs. Ms. Garcia noted that the Council would need to change the County Code to do this.