2013-09-09 Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Commission Minutes

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Ms. Hecht asked if the bank would entertain an offer on just one parcel. Mr. Hosley replied yes, they would. The south 3 acre parcel has a road constructed into it and has been bulldozed and the north 5 acre parcel which is bigger and more expensive includes the heiau. -10 for both which would allow large home sites but not condominiums. Mr. Hirakami asked why is there information for three parcels on the submittal (24, 28 & 34) but on the map it only shows 24 & 34. Mr. Hosley said that parcel 28 is an insignificantly small kuleana parcel that sits in the middle of the south parcel and would be included as part of that purchase. JANICE PALMA-GLENNIE Ms. Janice Palma-Glennie spoke on behalf of the Kona Kai Ea Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation in (She read written testimony dated September 9, 2013 that was submitted to the Commission). (Ms. Palma-Glennie then read written testimony submitted by Diane Ware, Sierra Club Moku Loa Group). She thanked the Commission for their consideration. Ms. Nicholson asked if there is a current resolution for these properties. Ms. Palma-Glennie replied that yes there were two resolutions approved by the County Council and they included both parcels. She added that PONC decided to separate the prioritization of the two parcels last year since the zoning was conservation for the makai parcel and industrial for the other. The community has always petitioned for acquisition of both for many reasons, and getting into negotiations with the seller is so critical for the community. Palma-Glennie replied that there are no other funding sources at this time. Ms. Matsumura commented - Glennie replied that the landowner is willing to sell however they are asking 24 million which is high and unrealistic so the sale price would need to be negotiated. Ms. Hecht commented that the success of the North Kohala purchases was because of the matching funds obtained to leverage monies in the 2% Fund. Ms. Palma-Glennie replied that they were advised that they needed to wait until the assessment was completed and if the landowner was willing to budge on the selling cost. Mr. Van Bergen stated that the County has only obtained matching funds from the State Legacy Land Conservation Program (LLCP) and U.S. Fish and Wildlife, Recovery Land Acquisition Program. Ms. Byrne Baber commented that she is happy to share some strategies and information along with Ms. Janet Britt of the Hawaiian Islands Land Trust. Mr. Hirakami asked how things are working out or not with the new Kohanaiki Park. Ms. Palma- Glennie replied that she has a different perspective on this and there are a lot of things to iron out. There is not enough space there since much was lost which makes it more imperative to acquire Mr. Hirakami asked if the access is still open from NELHA along the coast. Ms. Palma-Glennie replied that to the best of her knowledge it is, there is still a jeep trail that you can drive on but there is a gate at the entrance and know what their hours are. Mr. Hirakami asked if there is a paved access to Pine Trees. Ms. Palma-Glennie replied that there is one to the surfing bay but you can - 2 -