2013-11-12 Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Commission Minutes

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Mr. Hirakami read question #2: Funds publicized as the charter calls for, so that community groups could apply for this year-2013? Mr. Hirakami read that P&R said all funds are accounted for and there are no stewardship grant funds available. He commented that as of July 1, 2013 there was about 218,953.00 in the fund and nothing was expended yet. Mr. Honma replied that about 35,000.00 was set aside for Kpapa Park and about publicize for stewardship grants. Mr. Hirakami commented that the public would be happy if they had an idea or estimated cost for each property and what percentage of the fund is going to be used instead of just a statement saying that all funds are accounted for. Mr. Honma replied that he cannot point out the studies are going to cost. Ms. Nicholson asked if there is a way to involve community groups procurement question. Ms. Nancy Crawford commented that a professional could consult with SHPD Baber concurs with that and feels that they have the ability to do that in their community and the intention is to empower local communities to build their capacity on multiple levels to help steward these lands. There are archaeologists, engineers and scientists around the island that are able to do this and some funding could really help. Mr. Hirakami noted that question #3 is just a statement of the charter amendment and question #4 reads: There are several community groups that I have been talking to about applying for funds. Is Mr. Hirakami read that P&R is in the process of developing Stewardship Grants system. He asked how far along is P&R on the process since the public and the community is waiting and hopes that all 475,000.00 in the fund is not going to be all be used for archaeological studies. Mr. Honma replied that they do have a draft grant application that is being reviewed and believes that the County will be going out to solicit for grants next year. Mr. Hirakami asked if the deadline to submit has to be August. Mr. Brilhante replied that he needs to look into it. Ms. Byrne Baber commented that the intention was at least once a year, like a benchmark. Mr. Hirakami noted that #5 was not a question, just thanks for posting the accounting of expenditures from the fund on the PONC site. Mr. Hirakami read question #6: the day afte Mr. Hirakami read that deposits should be from the first quarter after election, so it would be from st January 1, 2013 to whenever the end of the first quarter is. See Section 10-16(d)(1) and Section 5 of Ordinance 12-16 which says first quarter. Mr. Hirakami read additional questions, #1: Mr. Hirakami read that the 2% funds were used as Council found that the stated purpose of the acquisition was for Kpapa Park. There is gravel placed for dust control on some portions of the - 4 -