HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP FC 031 2021/04/20 2020-2022 REPORT OF THE
COMMITTEE ON FINANCE
DATE: April 20, 2021 Re: Comm.No. 186/Res.No. 80-21
PLACE: Council Chambers
Kailua-Kona, Hawai`i
TIME: 10:30 a.m.
Council Chair and Members
Hawai`i County Council
Hilo, Hawai`i 96720
Your Committee on Finance,to which was referred Resolution No. 80-21,reports as follows:
Resolution No. 80-21,transmitted by Council Member Rebecca Villegas via Communication No. 186
dated March 22, 2021, authorizes the Director of Finance to enter into negotiations for the acquisition of
tax map key 7-6-014:013, situated in the District of North Kona, also known as Keakealaniwahine of
Holualoa,utilizing the Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Fund.
The County would enter into negotiations to acquire this 15,372 square foot parcel to preserve historic
cultural sites,protect open space located along Ali`i Drive in Kailua-Kona, and provide access for
fishing, gathering, and recreational purposes. The parcel is listed as priority number nine for purchase in
the 2020 Annual Report of the Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation
Commission(PONC).
Council Member Villegas provided background information on this resolution. She asked Finance
Director Deanna Sako to confirm that there is $18.4 million in PONC funds left. Director Sako
confirmed there was but added that there are some purchases in progress.
Ms. Villegas asked Property Manager Hamana Ventura to address concerns. He explained it is part of
the process which includes submissions, letter to Mayor and letters submitted to Council and reiterates
that these properties would not take away the purchases already in progress.
Council Member Aaron Chung asked if his vote is just a statement of support to acquire these properties
or if it's going to cause this project to gain priority over other prioritized projects. Mr. Ventura said that
by voting for this resolution, it simply gives them the ability to be actionable and negotiate for purchase.
Council Member Tim Richards thanked Ms. Villegas for bringing these PONC resolution forth because
he gets questions about it from the community. He also voiced his support for all the PONC
acquisitions.
Council Member Holeka Inaba asks how they prioritize multiple years of top 10 lists for PONC
properties. Mr. Ventura explained that during conversations with the administration and looking at total
packages, rankings can change due to various reasons.
FC Rept.No.: 31
FC-31 Page 2 April 20,2021
Pursuant to Hawai`i County Code Section 2-218(a),the Council shall by resolution select land or lands
to be preserved through acquisition from the fund, as recommended by the Mayor in a list developed by
the commission.
Your Committee on Finance is in accord with the purpose and intent of Resolution No. 80-21, and
recommends its adoption.
ssc
AYES NOES ABS EX Respectfully submitted,
CHUNG X
DAVID x COMMITTEE ON FINANCE
INABA X
KANEALII-KLEINFELDER X
KIERKIEWICZ X
KIMBALL x MATT KANEALI`I- FELDER, CHAIR
LEE LOY X
RICHARDS X FC •.'T NO.: 31
VILLEGAS X ADOPTED: MAY 0 5 2021