HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP LAAC 011 2025-03-18 2024-2026REPORT OF THE
LEGISLATIVE APPROVALS AND ACQUISITIONS COMMITTEE
DATE: March 18, 2025
PLACE: Council Chambers
Kailua-Kona, Hawai i
TIME: 11:49 a.m.
Council Chair and Members
Hawaii County Council
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Re: Comm. No. 164/Res. No. 95-25
Your Committee on Legislative Approvals and Acquisitions, to which was referred Resolution
No. 95-25, reports as follows:
Resolution No. 95-25, transmitted by Council Member Heather L. Kimball, via Communication
No. 164, dated February 26, 2025, authorizes the Director of Finance to enter into negotiations for the
acquisition of all or a portion of the properties identified as Tax Map Keys: 2-7-011:001 and
2-7-010:027, situated in the Ahupua`a of Kawainui and Onomea, District of South Hilo, utilizing the
Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Fund.
The County seeks to acquire approximately 81.19 acres of land to protect and preserve cultural and
natural resources and open certain areas of the property for educational, gathering, and cultural
practices. The parcel is listed as priority number two in the 2024 Annual Report of the Public Access,
Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Commission.
Committee Chair Heather L. Kimball relinquished the Chair to Vice Chair Dennis "Fresh" Onishi.
Ms. Kimball gave an overview of the parcels and provided information on its unique biodiversity
indicating the urgency to preserve this space for use by future generations. She further added
Makahanaloa Fishing Association has secured $1 million from the State of Hawai`i's Division of
Forestry and Wildlife Legacy Land Commission for the purchase of said parcels, while providing a
sound management plan to maintain them as a community asset.
Finance Deputy Director Malia Kekai was in attendance and responded to inquiries from Committee
Members James Hustace and Dennis "Fresh" Onishi relating to a management plan for the hardwoods
on the property, Finance's role in the process, and stated that they stand ready to move forward with
appraisals.
Your Committee on Legislative Approvals and Acquisitions is in accord with the purpose and intent
of Resolution No. 95-25, and recommends its adoption.
AYES
NOES
ABS
EX
GALIMBA
X
HUSTACE
X
INABA
X
KAGIWADA
X
KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER
X
KIERKIEWICZ
X
KIMBALL
X
ONISHI
X
VILLEGAS
X
Respectfully submitted,
COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATIVE
APPROVALS AND ACQUISITIONS
ATHER L. KJX4BALL, CHAIR
LAAC REPOWO 11
ADOPTED: 02