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

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DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE Mr. Van Bergen reported that we are in escrow for Kaiholena however there will be a slight delay due to the appraisal review process with the State, Dept. of Land and Natural Resources before we can receive the 1.6 million from LLCP. We do anticipate closing escrow during this fiscal year and once completed all five parcels will be acquired for public use. Escrow is still open from almost a year ago for acquisition of the Kingman properties since we are holding over 200,000 for maintenance and management. The owner cleaned up the front parcels and it The parcel in the back has burials and arch sites and once we obtain plan approval from the Burial Council, clean-up can be done and the remaining money held in escrow can be released. conservation, there are issues that needs to be resolved and subdivision approval needs to be obtained from the State before we can move forward. In regards to Kahuku, we have State and Federal matching funds available and we may be able to move forward for acquisition later this year depending on the balance in the 2% fund. Mr. Hirakami asked if we are expecting a transfer into the fund. Mr. Van Bergen replied that there are four deposits into the 2% fund every year. Larger deposits come in during March and September and st the next deposit should be around March 31. Ms. Byrne Baber asked for an update of how non-profits can apply for stewardship grants from the Maintenance Fund. Mr. Van Bergen replied that Parks and Recreation will be handling that and he will provide more information at the next meeting. Mr. Hirakami asked about the Maintenance Fund and if the monies will be kept separate from the 2% Fund. Mr. Van Bergen replied that yes, it will be separate accounts. Ms. Kelepolo added that she will provide the accounting report for both funds on our web-site and will also provide updated information to the Commission. Mr. Brilhante had nothing to report. Mr. Hirakami asked about a sunshine law training. Mr. Brilhante replied that Mr. Lincoln Ashida will be doing one soon but if they want to do one in-house he can do one for them at the next meeting. Ms. Nicholson commented that this training will be good for the new members and to clarify site visits for the commissioners. Mr. Hirakami asked if there are waivers for site visits. Mr. Brilhante replied that the only entity that has a waiver is the State Legislature since they passed the law. Ms. Nicholson had nothing to report. - 4 -