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

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WHEREAS, Waipi`o Valley is steeped in historical and cultural significance, as: • Kamehameha I was secretly raised in Waipi`o Valley after escaping court assassins at birth. • Liloa, a High Chief revered for his peaceful reign, reconstructed temples in Waipi`o Valley. • Waipi`o Valley is the site of the sacred compounds, Hale o LYloa and Paka`alana Heiau. • Two ancient fishponds, Lalakea and Muliwai Fishponds are located within Waipi`o Valley. • Waipi`o Valley has been home to Native Hawaiians since 800 A.D. • Currently, approximately 150 acres of kalo (taro) are planted in Waipi`o Valley, creating a direct and tangible lifeline to the ancestors of this valley in specific and Hawaii as a whole. • Residents of Waipi`o Valley conduct educational programs for thousands of students and other visitors with a thirst for knowledge about Hawaiian culture; and WHEREAS, public access to and preservation of Waipi`o Valley and its pristine beach area are in jeopardy and may be lost unless this historic area can be properly protected and regulated, which the acquisition of the Property would significantly help to ensure; and WHEREAS, if the Property is purchased by a private party, the future use of this most significant historical and cultural area may be determined by the purchaser, possibly without input from residents of Waipi`o Valley and Kukuihaele and the Native Hawaiian community; and WHEREAS, the residents of Waipi`o Valley and Kukuihaele have been working with the County to establish a Ranger Program in an effort to help educate students and visitors while protecting the sanctity and sacred nature of Waipi`o Valley, with the County Department of Research and Development being awarded a $60,000 grant for establishment of such a Ranger Program; and WHEREAS, as mentioned in the Commission's prioritized list to the Mayor, the Property would be suitable and could very well serve as a future Ranger Station; and WHEREAS, section 2- 218(a), Hawaii County Code 1983 (2005 Edition, as amended), provides, in pertinent part, that: "The Council shall, by resolution, select the land or lands to be preserved.... "; and WHEREAS, section 2- 218(d), Hawaii County Code 1983 (2005 Edition, as amended), provides that: "Adequate staff to carry out the provisions of this article and to manage the land acquired shall be provided in the department of finance to maximize the use of available funds by minimizing the payment of commission to outside agents to put together funding plans and to ensure that the County is a good steward of any land that comes under its control through this article.'; and WHEREAS, the acquisition of the Property may be financed from the following funding sources: (1) Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Fund as set forth in chapter 2, article 42, Hawaii County Code 1983 (2005 Edition, as amended); and/or (2) General Fund's fund balance; and/or