2007-12-28 (2007 PONC Annual Report to the Mayor)

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Summary of Waipi`o Acquisition Based on recommendations by the Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Commission, the Mayor and as authorized by the Hawaii County Council, the County of Hawaii has purchased an approximately 1.804 acre parcel (see attached aerial map) of land at Waipi`o Lookout Point for $900,000 from the Revocable Living Trust of Rose Catherine Rice effective October 5, 2007. This is the first purchase of qualified lands on a prioritized list for preservation by the Hawaii County Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Commission. The property was acquired through the County's Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Fund, established in December 2005 to acquire lands deemed worthy of preservation. The approval of Resolution 427 -06 dated August 23, 2006 (see attached resolution) by the Hawaii County Council authorized the County to enter into negotiations for the acquisition of the Waipi`o property. The resolution notes the property's significance as a gateway to Waipi`o Valley that would enhance the existing County -owned Waipi`o Lookout facilities. The purchase also complements the Waipi`o community's new outreach program that provides safety information and education about the valley's important cultural and natural resources.