2013-11-25 Game Management Advisory Commission Minutes

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Hawaii Game Management Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes – November 25, 2013 C. A PUBLIC ACCESS PRESENTATION BY T. NAKAMA. THERE IS A PROPOSED ALTERATION OF THE ALA LOA TRAIL BY KOHALA KAI LLC. Before her presentation, Chair asked for a brief update on her request to Chairman Aila for his presence to meet with the community. She said that to date the correspondence with Mr. Aila, which was emailed, she has had no response. She asked for assist from this commission. All board members have a copy of the letter. T. Nakama: (Handouts circulated) Kohala Kai LLC, an oceanfront luxury subdivision along the coastline, located north of Kawaihae Harbor just south of Keawewai Gulch below the Department of Hawaiian Homes heading toward Hawi on Akoni Pule Highway. The owners have denied access to the Ala Loa trail which is the mauka/makai jeep access road. E Mau Na Ala Hele is asking this advisory board for a letter of support to allow access of the Ala Loa trail and also access to the beach trail of Ala Kahakai. Two different issues the Ala Loa trail a jeep trail – E Mau Na Ala Hele along with the North Kohala Community Access Group seeking vehicle access and parking area. The Ala Kahakai trail is not a “fisherman trail” but a public access trail that is a very rough and rugged trail along the coastal area with some areas beaten up. These trails are already in place. All is needed is the public access and possibly moving the trail mauka to allow for a safe access. \[Discussion\] B. Command suggested, (1) this advisory board, for clarification purposes invite E Mau Na Ala Hele to do a power point presentation regarding this issue. T. Nakama provided contact information for Keith Wallis a board member of E Mau Na Ala Hele. (2) Bring in the developer and have him present his side of the issue, so the board hears both sides. (3) Lincoln (Ashida) might be able to suggest that someone from his office come in and brief everyone on the Highways Act of 1893. T. Nakama: This is not an easement issue. The Ala Loa Trail has been established and marked through Na Ala Hele State Division that it is a public access. Not enough pressure is put on the Planning Director that may have given our privileges away to the developer. I think that’s what E Mau is asking for – is the Planning Director to support the public access. L. Ashida: Stated that it is critical for this advisory commission hear both sides before taking an official position. L. Buchanan: For the record my name is Laurie Buchanan and I don’t have the \[inaudible\] that Teresa is referring to but I think I know a little bit about public 3