2012-07-09 Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Commission Minutes (2)

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non - profit, all volunteer group that is seeking to develop this trail project which is estimated to cost approximately 12 million dollars and presently they have no government funding. Ms. Matsumura asked for clarification of the parcel. Mr. Terry replied that this is a vacant lot that connects into Waiakea Villas and can barely be seen since it's covered with vegetation and trash. The property is currently for sale and the asking price is 609,000.00 which could be negotiated due to development issues. The owner, Rex Ramsey has not been contacted but the property is listed. LEHUA LOPEZ -MAU Ms. Lehua Lopez -Mau, Executive Director of KOOH spoke in support of Kaunamano, Ka`u, consisting of approximately 1,363 acres and four miles of coastline makai of Highway 11 in Na`alehu. She stated that KOOH currently has a Memorandum of Understanding with the County, Department of Parks & Recreation for the improvement, restoration and protection of Honu` apo Park which is about a quarter mile away from these properties. Their diverse board is in support of this acquisition, in addition to one of their board members, Ms. Michelle Galimba, co -owner of Kuahiwi Ranch, who currently leases these properties for cattle ranching and recused herself due to a conflict of interest but strongly supports this request. (Ms. Lopez -Mau read a letter of support from Ms. Michelle Galimba, Kuahiwi Ranch) Ms. Byrne -Baber asked how many miles of contiguous coastline would there be including Kawa and Honu`apo. Ms. Lopez -Mau replied that it's not contiguous but there would be about five miles of coastline protected in perpetuity. Ms. Byrne -Baber asked for clarification of the cultural sites. Ms. Lopez -Mau replied about 444 cultural and historic sites, 3,900+ features, including eight possible heiaus, habitation caves and a hand -built stone trestle that connected Na` alehu with Honu` apo. Mr. Hirakami asked if the subdivision has been approved. Ms. Lopez -Mau replied no, it's just a plan. Mr. Charlie Anderson, owner's representative added that there are 9 separate pre- existing lots on record and four TMK's. When his client bought the property it was already submitted to the County for a 49 -lot subdivision. However with all the historic sites on the property, the owner is willing to take the property off the market and would prefer to sell instead for preservation purposes. CHARLIE ANDERSON Mr. Charlie Anderson, owner's representative for Kaunamano, Ka`u told the Commission that he is willing to cooperate and work with the County for this acquisition. He talked about how important it would be to acquire these lands and highlighted the many intact archaeological features in the area. Ms. Matsumura asked what would you visualize the use to be. Mr. Anderson replied that the community would have a better view of that. Ms. Lopez -Mau replied that the activities would be used for public use and park purposes and since there are no development, fisherman come from all over since its' highly abundant in marine life. She does not see heavy park use due to the open view plane and also a part of the property does include evidence of the Ala Kahakai Trail. -5-