2013-3 AC-P&R Support for Pohoiki Swimming Area Project

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Communication No. 2013-3 PCDP Action Committee January 8, 2013 To County of Hawaii Parks & Recreation The Puna Community Development Plan Action Committee (PCDP AC) requests that Parks & Recreation write a letter of support to Russell Ruderman and Faye Hanohano for the study, planning and development of a safe, legal swimming area at Isaac Hale Beach Park. Russell Ruderman has expressed support for this project and will consider proposing a funding allocation, but wishes to hear from County Parks & Recreation that they will support this project and administer the funds. There was a CIP request to Parks & Recreation for a feasibility study from the Action Committee, but Parks & Recreation has expressed the need for funding support from the State of Hawaii in lieu of this CIP request. The swimming area would be a lagoon created on land (TMK (3) 1-4-002:008) that is currently owned by the county but within the State Land Use Conservation district. It could be developed as part of phase two of the Isaac Hale Beach Park. Please see attached map for the potential location. A funding allocation of $150,000 (or an amount the state deems appropriate) would allow the hiring of a shoreline consultant. This consultant would design and plan the swimming area in consultation with the appropriate agencies and the community groups. Subcontracting could be done as needed with an engineer and/or planner. An effort would be made to go inland as much as possible for the swimming area to facilitate construction and permitting. Once the design is completed, the consultant would start the permitting process and create a budget for the construction of the swimming area. When there is a budget, further allocation from the State of Hawaii for construction of the swimming area would be needed.