2009-09-14 Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Commission Minutes

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In regards to Kukuipahu- Ha`ena Corridor, it has many historic and cultural sites on the property including an ancient navigational heiau. The current landowner, Parker Ranch, is in the process of selling a portion of this property. She understands that they are in negotiations right now to sell, so it would be possible to approach them to think about deed restrictions and if the community pushes then maybe they might be able to consider conservation easements. (Ms. Byrne then gave a description of Mahukona, Kaiholena and Pa `o `o and went into discussion with the Commission). Ms. Garcia asked how would she rank these properties. Ms. Byrne replied that her list would be: 1) Pa`o`o; 2) Kaiholena; 3) Mahukona & 4) Kukuipahu- Ha`ena. Ms. Markovich asked what kind of public facilities will be provided when and if the County takes over. Ms. Byrne replied that any management issues can be worked out as the community takes good care of the properties. For now the County doesn't need to spend a dime with passive management and they can address long -term management later, possibly community group collaboration with the County. Mr. Flores asked what is the status of the Lapakahi parcel. Ms. Byrne replied that 1.25 million has been secured through the Legacy Land Funds and 1 million additional is needed which the Trust for Public Lands (TPL) has been diligently working to obtain. Ms. Garcia thanked Ms. Byrne for all her efforts working with the community to protect these lands and did stress that the Commission is very aware of the urgency for some of these properties. In closing, Ms. Byrne thanked the Commission for all their hard work and stressed how critical it is that these properties are ranked high on the list. POWERPOINT PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION WITH ARIC ARAKAKI, NATIONAL PARK SERVICE (NPS), LARRY BROWN, COUNTY PLANNING DEPARTMENT & CLEMENT CHANG, NA ALA HELE STATE TRAILS DIVISION, RE: MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN HAWAII COUNTY, NPS AND STATE FOR THE CREATION OF A COMPREHENSIVE SHORELINE PUBLIC ACCESS AND HISTORIC TRAIL SYSTEM ON HAWAII ISLAND Mr. Aric Arakaki introduced himself as the superintendent along with Mr. Rick Gmirkin, for the National Park Service, Ala Kahakai National Trail. Mr. Arakaki then did a power point presentation titled "Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail Following in the Footsteps of our Ancestors. " (the commissioners went into discussion with Mr. Arakaki) Ms. Garcia thanked Mr. Arakaki for the presentation. Mr. Larry Brown, Planner for the County Planning Department (PD) then introduced himself to the Commission along with Ms. Dana Okano, Coastal Zone Management Planner for PD and Mr. Andy Bohlander who was assigned to PD for coastal geology and hazard mitigation. -2-