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REPORT OF THE <br /> COMMITTEE ON FINANCE <br /> DATE: April 20, 2021 Re: Comm.No. 186/Res.No. 80-21 <br /> PLACE: Council Chambers <br /> Kailua-Kona, Hawai`i <br /> TIME: 10:30 a.m. <br /> Council Chair and Members <br /> Hawai`i County Council <br /> Hilo, Hawai`i 96720 <br /> Your Committee on Finance,to which was referred Resolution No. 80-21,reports as follows: <br /> Resolution No. 80-21,transmitted by Council Member Rebecca Villegas via Communication No. 186 <br /> dated March 22, 2021, authorizes the Director of Finance to enter into negotiations for the acquisition of <br /> tax map key 7-6-014:013, situated in the District of North Kona, also known as Keakealaniwahine of <br /> Holualoa,utilizing the Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Fund. <br /> The County would enter into negotiations to acquire this 15,372 square foot parcel to preserve historic <br /> cultural sites,protect open space located along Ali`i Drive in Kailua-Kona, and provide access for <br /> fishing, gathering, and recreational purposes. The parcel is listed as priority number nine for purchase in <br /> the 2020 Annual Report of the Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation <br /> Commission(PONC). <br /> Council Member Villegas provided background information on this resolution. She asked Finance <br /> Director Deanna Sako to confirm that there is $18.4 million in PONC funds left. Director Sako <br /> confirmed there was but added that there are some purchases in progress. <br /> Ms. Villegas asked Property Manager Hamana Ventura to address concerns. He explained it is part of <br /> the process which includes submissions, letter to Mayor and letters submitted to Council and reiterates <br /> that these properties would not take away the purchases already in progress. <br /> Council Member Aaron Chung asked if his vote is just a statement of support to acquire these properties <br /> or if it's going to cause this project to gain priority over other prioritized projects. Mr. Ventura said that <br /> by voting for this resolution, it simply gives them the ability to be actionable and negotiate for purchase. <br /> Council Member Tim Richards thanked Ms. Villegas for bringing these PONC resolution forth because <br /> he gets questions about it from the community. He also voiced his support for all the PONC <br /> acquisitions. <br /> Council Member Holeka Inaba asks how they prioritize multiple years of top 10 lists for PONC <br /> properties. Mr. Ventura explained that during conversations with the administration and looking at total <br /> packages, rankings can change due to various reasons. <br /> FC Rept.No.: 31 <br />