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

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PETER KUBOTA Mr. Peter Kubota, president of the HBTP spoke in support and talked about how critical this parcel is for this project. The HBTP is to establish a 12 -foot wide public access trail for pedestrian /bicycle use that will eventually connect from downtown Hilo by Mo`oheau bandstand along the shoreline to the bridge by Suisan and connect up with Banyan Drive. They envision the trail going to the large boat harbor and the portion along Wailoa State Park, by the Visitor Center, Kamehameha Statue and around Wailoa pond. This project was a collaborative effort started about five years ago by former Mayor Kim with numerous government agencies and various community groups. The County through Research & Development received a 100,000 grant from the Hawaii Tourism Authority but since the County and State government does not have additional money to fund this 12 million dollar project, the HBTP was formed about a year ago. They are a non - profit, all volunteer group with the task of organizing and raising money for the implementation of this trail. The SMA permit was granted by the County Planning Department in April of last year and their plan is to complete this trail and then turn it over to the County and State. This year, State Parks received an appropriation for improvements to Wailoa State Park and indicated that they are willing to spend some money on parking, lighting, etc. but need help to complete the trail. Eventually it will come down to this parcel and if we don't buy it then we're going to need an easement about 20 feet on the pond side to connect the trail. Mr. Van Bergen asked if we could just purchase the easement. Mr. Kubota replied potentially yes, it could be negotiated with the owner instead of fee acquisition. Ms. Nicholson asked if we purchased the whole parcel what would the rest of the property be used for. Mr. Kubota replied that an easement would work too but if we bought the whole parcel, it should be cleared and possibly used as a sub -park, toilet facilities, parking, etc. Ms. Nicholson then said the primary interest is just the trail. Mr. Kubota replied yes. Mr. Hirakami asked if a future bridge is built by the State, how many miles would this trail be. Mr. Kubota replied that it all depends on how much money can be raised. Mr. Terry added that the entire trail is six miles long. JOHN McVICKAR Mr. John McVickar spoke in support of the HBTP. He mentioned that he came to Hawaii about five years ago from Eugene, Oregon which has the Maurie- Jacobs Park, a bicycle trail about 25 years old. He saw how Eugene, previously a lumber town was turned into a tourist destination and something could be drawn from that. He expressed that he would really like to see an easement or continuous trail which in the long run could be very prosperous for the Hilo area. MARY BEGIER (written testimony submitted to the Commission) Ms. Mary Begier, a realtor in the area, spoke in support of the HBTP and stated that the reason for so many of them coming forward is to show their commitment of the diversity of the community. She