2013-07-08 Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Commission Minutes

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swimming and hiking however everyone is crammed into a tiny little spot. The homeowners have been generous in letting the public utilize the area however there is very little access and they are very desperate for open space. She talked about the runoff regarding the fish kill and will never know if it was related to the geothermal meltdown or sulfur from the volcano. They are now working with DLNR and UH-Hilo so the next time this happens they will collect the fish so that research can be done to find out the cause. The community is very involved by picking up trash and educating the community which is also used by schools and students. They really need help from the County for the good of the tide-pools, the district and the community. Mr. Hirakami asked out of the 1,000 people that visit daily how many are tour operators. Ms. Rutledge replied that is illegal to charge for profit in an MLCD. Mr. Hirakami asked who does the water sampling. Ms. Rutledge replied that the County does this, every Monday checking for fecal matter and oxygen levels. Mr. Hirakami replied that golf courses contribute heavily to runoff and insist that the State check on baseline water samples. Mr. Van Bergen the State. MARY FLEMING g said for this property than what was already said. opae tide-pools you need to consider this purchase otherwise it will be gone. You will lose the tide-pools, the endangered species and the opportunity for recreation to spread out. The quality of life could be so much better in Puna if this purchase went TONI WITHINGTON Ms. Toni Withington spoke for hundreds and thousands of people in North Kohala who have been working for 40+ years to preserve the coastline free from development. Part of their empowerment is to work with other communities and obtain other sources of funding besides the 2% Fund. She represents five groups in North Kohala with lots of expertise in Hawaiian culture. Three acquisitions were completed this year, the County closed escrow for two parcels in Kaiholena one more parcel to be purchased by the Ala Kahakai Trail Association which is very close to meeting its goal. Kauhola Point was purchased through LLCP, local fundraising and TPL. A mile of coastline in Halelua was able to be purchased with funding from HILT. This year they submitted six suggestion forms for consideration, five of which has been previously nominated. The new property submitted is Lamaloloa, a sliver of land adjacent to Lapakahi State Park and nearby The landowner put this property on the market this year and they are also looking at other sources of funding as well. (Ms. Withington provided a CD to the commissioners with photos of Lamaloloa and an extended archaeological study) - 4 -