2011-06-13 Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Commission Minutes

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Ms. Moon thanked Ms. Ford for her time. KAREN EOFF Ms. Karen Eoff spoke on behalf of the Kohanaiki Ohana, an established 501(c) (3) since 1985 who have won landmark Supreme Court cases regarding native Hawaiian gathering rights and the perpetuation of Hawaiian cultural practices. Their focus was Kohanaiki at that time because of the pending large scale development however; it was always their vision that the entire coastline including would remain in public use. The success of Kohanaiki was due in part to the Kim administration, Angel Pilago and several of the community groups working with the owner to give back about 104 acres for a public beach park. Like former Mayor Kim said, from the Old Airport, through the National Park, Kohanaiki and Kekaha Kai State Park it would provide about 14 miles of open shoreline for the public with the acquisition of prioritized list before and recently the Land Use Commission (LUC) ere may be a willing seller. Since the property is zoned conservation the dollar amount for purchase should be low. She urged the Commission to keep in consideration this year when making their assessment. Ms. Eoff stated that she also supports Ms. Markovich stated that according to the developer they have a 1,100 foot setback from the ocean as part of the Kona Community Development Plan (CDP). If the County acquired , is there enough people to maintain and manage the property. Ms. Eoff replied that they have worked with the County to keep the shoreline safe and clean and even raised money for many years to pay for portable toilets, dumpsters and also monitored the users of the beach area at Kohanaiki. In addition, the new owner of Kohanaiki has been providing security that are stationed on the jeep trail between and Kohanaiki along the shoreline and there are gates that lock at NELHA after sunset. There is a good faith agreement between the County, Kohanaiki Ohana and the homeowners to provide monitoring and maintenance of this park area. So basically the Kohanaiki area is a good Mr Ms. Eoff replied yes, she does not want to see that area developed and wants to see as much of that land kept in open space. Ms. Eoff stated that the Kohanaiki area is one of the only places left to camp and is utilized by so many people and if the County acquires it would expand the camping area for public use. - 2 -