2013-03-11 Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Commission Minutes

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HAWAII COUNTY PUBLIC ACCESS, OPEN SPACE AND NATURAL RESOURCES PRESERVATION COMMISSION MINUTES-REGULAR SESSION March 11, 2013 25 Aupuni Street, Suite #1501 Hilo20 Present: Chair Marilyn Nicholson Vice-Chair Steven Hirakami Commissioner Dean Au Commissioner Gail Byrne Baber Commissioner Timothy DeLozier Commissioner Enock Freire (arrived @ 10:30 a.m.) Commissioner Searle Grace Commissioner Wilma Matsumura Absent: Commissioner Debbie Hecht Others Present: Bill Brilhante, Deputy Corporation Counsel Ken Van Bergen, Property Manager, Finance (arrived @ 10:08 a.m.; left @ 10:57 a.m.; returned @ 12:16 p.m.) Alexandra Kelepolo, Property Management Technician, Finance (left @ 11:01 a.m.) Iwaloa Chilson, Clerk III, Finance CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order by Chair Marilyn Nicholson at 10:07 a.m. STATEMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC ON AGENDA ITEMS STEPHEN WELSH Mr. Stephen Welsh, a resident of Honolii, spoke in support of the Honolii parcel that was submitted for consideration. The property is about 10,000 square feet and is located on the South end adjacent to the park with a portion encroaching onto the road. If acquired by the County, this property could be used for open space by tourists and residents and help to alleviate the limited parking space in the area. Further, there is a very steep cliff that is unstable and under the cliff there is a debris field from the house next door which also should be addressed. He stated that he became aware of this property when he found out that the property was in escrow and the new owners wanted to build a house on it. The present landowner, Ed Olson, is very generous and has offered to participate in the open space process. The property is no longer in escrow and is available for sale. He noted that there are willing partners, The Trust for Public Lands (TPL) and (HCF) to assist with management if necessary however feels that it should be left in open space. - 1 -