2009-10-12 Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Commission Minutes

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Mr. Flores also mentioned that Communication No. 09 -018 that was to be deferred to this meeting was not on the agenda. Ms. Garcia noted that they will have this item put back on the agenda since Ms. Self is now present. Motion: Vice -Chair Springer moved for the approval of the minutes of September 14, 2009. Seconded by Commissioner Markovich; all members voted aye, motion carried. DEMONSTRATION BY PLANNING DEPARTMENT (Mr. Larry Brown of the Planning Department (PD) provided a handout to the Commission for shoreline public access) He apologized that due to technical difficulties he's not able to load the visual presentation; however he did give the Commission a brief description of the program. Ms. Markovich asked if there's any signage for these accesses. Mr. Brown replied that in doing the update, they realized that there's no public access program, and noted that the County is now working on doing that. Since the State, Na Ala Hele (NAH) has completed their access program and has created hazard signage which already has been approved; the County will pull pieces out of the NAH program to create theirs. The Memorandum of Understanding between NAH, National Park Service and the County is in the process of getting final signatures for approval which will help identify trail alignments most particularly in the North and South Kohala area near the Ala Kahakai trail system. Mr. Flores asked if someone submits a suggestion form for public access to the Commission if it would go to PD. Mr. Brown replied that yes, they can contact himself or Ms. Dana Okano. He added that the landowner may be willing to sell an easement to the County with the 2% funds of which the Commission could authorize. Ms. Springer asked if the program can verify historic trails or valid access ways. Mr. Brown replied that there's a section that lets you search by "historical government ownership" which are usually right -of -way's that have been claimed through the Highways Act of 1892. Ms. Springer noted that she doesn't believe that all trails have been verified. Mr. Brown agreed that there hasn't been any evidence to discount the claim; however more research needs to be done. Ms. Garcia told the Commission that they will now be discussing Communication No. 09 -019 since it was deferred at the last meeting due to Ms. Self's absence. Ms. Self told them that since it's not on the agenda they need to take a vote to add it as an item. Motion: Vice -Chair Springer moved to amend the agenda so that the Commission can review Communication 09 -019 under the Office of Corporation Counsel's report. Seconded by Commissioner Moon; all members voted aye, motion carried. -2-