2013-01-14 Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Commission Minutes

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Mr. Hirakami clarified that this statement by Mr. McNett was notmadein the presence of the commissionerand thepublic officialandhe feels thatcomments should be addressed to the Commission and not a specific member.Mr. Brilhante replied that unfortunately we cannot sensor what hesaid, however it’s ok to clarify the recordand the statement that he made and note that there’s no factual basis to what was said. He told the Commission that they can amend the minutes to note that Commissioner Hecht was not present at the meeting and therefore unable to comment. Motion: Commissioner Markovich moved to clarify that neither Commissioner Hecht nor Lincoln Ashida was present at the meeting. Seconded by Commissioner Byrne Baber; all members voted aye, motion carried. Motion: Vice-Chair Hirakami moved to approve the minutesas amendedofNovember 26, 2012. Seconded by Commissioner Matsumura; all members voted aye, motion carried. WRITTEN COMMUNICATION Communication No. 13-001:Letter received on December 14, 2012 from Patti Pinto, Chair, Puna Community Development Plan (CDP) Action Committee, re: Support for the land acquisition of Kapoho/Wai‘opae(aka Hara Property or Vacationland Trust), TMK: (3) 1-4-02:022 & 051 by PONC Ms. Nicholson asked for a motion to file Communication No. 13-001. Motion: Vice-Chair Hirakami moved to file Communication No. 13-001. Seconded by Commissioner Markovich;all members voted aye, motion carried. DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE Mr. Van Bergen reported that we were planning to open escrowfor Kaiholenaand close in February but we ran into a problem with obtaining the tax clearances for the landowner, EWM as requiredunder Act 190. Once we receive the tax clearances we can move forward with the grant documentationand we should close escrow soon after that. For Pohoiki, he is currently working with Mr. Hirakami and the landowner Mrs. Ida Smith, but it’s going to take more time sincesubdivisionapproval needs to obtainedfrom the State, Dept. of Land and Natural Resources. In regards to Kingman, the County still needs the Burial Council to approve the plan before the contractor can finish his obligations under thecontract and close escrow. Hopefully this should be done in about two weeks. Ms. Byrne Baber asked why did the appraisal come in lower for Kaiholena when the appraisal for another property in Kohala (Kauhola Point) came in higher. Mr. Van Bergen noted that the appraiser can make a difference and also the market is still low. Ms. Byrne Baber asked what the difference between the totals was.Mr. Van Bergen replied about 600,000.00, it went from 4,595,000.00 to 3,991,000.00. Ms. Nicholson asked when willwesee the impact of the charter amendment. Mr. Van Bergen replied that we won’t really see it in effect since it’s already there. It was initially set at 2% then there was a -2-