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Home My WebLink AboutCOM 0316.001 2024-2026C. Kimo Alameda, Ph.D. Mayor William V. Brilhante, Jr. Managing Director County of Hawaii Finance Department 25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2103 • Hilo, Hawai`i.96720 (808)961-8234 • Fax (808) 961-8569 May 30, 2025 Diane Nakagawa Director Malia A. Kekai Deputy Director 0 u w C) Dr. Holeka Goro Inaba, Council Chair Y -„ and Members of the Hawai `i County Council F County of Hawai `i Hilo, Hawai `i 96720co SUBJECT: Recommendation to Award Stewardship Grants from the Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Maintenance Fund for FY 2025-2026 The Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Commission (PONC) reviewed twelve 2025 Maintenance Stewardship Grant applications and forwarded their recommendations to the Department of Finance for review. The commission's recommendation letter is attached for your reference. In accordance with the Hawaii County Charter (HCC) Section 10-16(h)(8), the Department of Finance has completed its review of all applications and recommendations and respectfully submits the following 2025-2026 PONC Stewardship Grant award recommendations to the Council for approval: Application: STU.25-01 Applicant: Hawaiian Islands Land Trust (HILT) Property: Mahukona Navigation & Ecological Complex Tax Map Key: (3) 5-7-002:027,, 036, 037 (3) 5-7-003:001, 002, 003, 007, 008, 018 Project Name: Maintenance & Public Education Activities at Mahukona Navigation and Ecological Complex Proposed Scope: Invasive species removal, native plant restoration, educational curriculum development, and public educational activities such as guided hikes and school site visits. Requested Amt: $76,348 Recommended Amt: $63,516 Comm. � Hawaii County is an Equal Opportunity Emplo er and ProvideTo - �� y Ref. D�te �u 1 - - 2025 The Commission removed $12,832 that was budgeted for fringe benefits because they determined fringe benefits were not an approved expense pursuant to HCC, Section 10-16(g). Finance concurs with the Commission's recommendation. 2. Application: Applicant: Property: Tax Map Key: Project Name: Proposed Scope STU.25-02 Pohaha I Ka Lani Waipi`o Valley Lookout (3) 4-8-004:006 Koa`ekea Vegetation management, and fence repair. Requested Amt: $80,400 Recommended Amt: $72,400 volunteer hosting, fire hazard reduction, The Commission removed $8,000 that was budgeted to buy food for volunteers because they determined food was not an approved expense pursuant to HCC Section 10-16(g). _ Finance concurs with the Commission's recommendation. 3. Application: STU.25-03 Applicant: Kupa Aina O Keauhou Property: Keauhou Bay Tax Map Key: (3) 7-8-012:035, 106 Project Name: Keauhou Stewardship Program Proposed Scope: Native plant and aquaculture restoration, educational workshops, community involvement, and security measures. Requested Amt: $83,000 Recommended Amt: $25,000 The Commission approved $55,000 subject to the Finance departments review and approval as to whether security measures are an appropriate use of maintenance funds. After review, Finance determined that security measures was not an approved expense pursuant to HCC Section 10-16(g) and removed $30,000. 4. Application: STU.25-04 Applicant: Kohanaiki Ohana Property: O `oma Tax Map Key: (3) 7-3-009:004 Project Name: Malama O`oma Stewardship Project Proposed Scope: Invasive species removal, native plant restoration, and integration of stewardship activities into local school curriculums. Requested Amt: $48,000 Hawaii County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Provider 2 Recommended Amt: $48,000 Finance concurs with the Commission's recommendation. 5. Application: STU.25-05 Applicant: Hawaii Environmental Restoration (HER) Property: Wai`ele Tax Map Key: (3) 1-4-003:003, 037 Project Name: (Maintenance) Ho`ohui No Wai`ele and (Management) Digitized Resource Database — Implementation Phase Proposed Scope: Invasive species control, fire ant control, path creation, and marine debris removal. Requested Amt: $24,842.08 Recommended Amt:$24,842.08 Finance concurs with the Commission's recommendation. 6. Application: STU.25-06 Applicant: Na Maka Haloa O Waipi`o Property: Pohoiki Tax Map Key: (3) 1-3-008:097 Project Name: Pohoiki Management Proposed Scope: Creation of a management plan, community education, cultural workshops, and consistent property maintenance Requested Amt: $237,000 Recommended Amt: $0 Applicant withdrew application. 7. Application: Applicant: Property: Tax Map Key: Project Name: STU.25-07 Na Mamo O Kawa Kawa (3) 9-5-016:006, 025 (3) 9-5-017:005, 007 Kawa Stewardship Program Proposed Scope: Trail maintenance, resource monitoring, invasive species control, and volunteer group hosting. Requested Amt: $137,280 Recommended Amt: $0 The Commission approved $137,280 subject to the Finance departments review and the applicant providing a more detailed budget to Finance. Applicant failed to meet submission deadlines and to provide a detailed budget Applicant has failed to demonstrate the ability to complete the project according to project plan. (HCC Section 10-16(H)(8)). Thus, Finance does not recommend awarding this applicant. Hawaii County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Provider 3 8. Application: STU.25-08 Applicant: Friends of Amy B.H. Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden Property: The Greenwell Ethnobotanical Gardens Tax Map Key: (3) 8-2-013:002, 003, 014 (3) 8-2-014:043 (3) 8-2-015:059 Project Name: Na Mala O Kona — Planning, Maintenance, and Education Proposed Scope: Maintenance and improvement of facilities and use of space for community activities, exhibit restoration, trail upgrades, forest canopy expansion, and public education. Requested Amt: $362,920 Recommended Amt: $350,920 After review, Finance determined that security cameras was not an approved expense pursuant to HCC Section 10-16(g) and removed $12,000. 9. Application: STU.25-09 Applicant: Ala Kahakai Trail Association Property: Waikapuna, Kaunamano, Kiolaka`a Tax Map Key: (3) 9-5-007:016 (3) 9-5-011:001, 004, 005, 006 (3) 9-5-012:001 (3) 9-4-001:008, 009, 016, 017, 023 Project Name: Ka`u Heritage Preserve Ranger Program Proposed Scope: Field crew management, trail and road maintenance, marine debris removal, and habitat restoration. Requested Amt: $145,025 Recommended Amt: $145,025 Finance concurs with the Commission's recommendation. 10. Application: STU.25-10 Applicant: Ala Kahakai Trail Association Property: Kiolaka`a Tax Map Key: (3) 9-4-001:008, 009, 016, 017, 023 Project Name: Kiolaka`a Community Resource Management Plan Proposed Scope: Development of a Community Resource Management Plan Requested Amt: $86,750 Recommended Amt: $86,750 Finance concurs with the Commission's recommendation. 11. Application: STU.25-11 Applicant: Ala Kahakai Trail Association Property: Kahua Olohu Tax Map Key: (3) 9-5-012:005 Project Name: Kahua `Olohu Stewardship Program Hawaii County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Provider 4 Proposed Scope: Grass mowing, debris removal, public education, cultural events, and waste management. Requested Amt: $22,750 Recommended Amt: $21,750 The Commission removed $1,000 that was budgeted for general liability insurance because they determined insurance was not an approved expense pursuant to HCC Section 10-16(g). Finance concurs with the Commission's recommendation. 12. Application: STU.25-12 Applicant: Vipassana Hawaii Property: Halelua Tax Map Key: (3) 5-3-007:010 Project Name: Halelua Management Planning Proposed Scope: Food and refreshments for community meetings regarding property management planning Requested Amt: $1,000 Recommended Amt: $0 The Commission removed $1,000 that was budgeted for food and refreshments for community meetings because they determined food was not an approved expense pursuant to HCC Section 10-16(g). The Department of Finance concurs with the Commission's recommendation. The stewardship efforts supported by these grants are vital to the conservation of our County's open spaces and natural resources. The applicant's that have been recommended for award have demonstrated the ability to complete their proposed projects according to their project plans. The Council's concurrence with these award recommendations will ensure the continuation of important preservation work by the dedicated nonprofit organizations listed above. Should you have any questions or require further information, please contact Malia Kekai at 808- 961-8971. /-&-. le-,, �i Diane Nakagawa Director of Finance Enc. c: Property Management Hawaii County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Provider 5 C. Kimo Alameda, Ph.D. Mayor William V. Brilhante, Jr. Managing Director Deborah Chang Amedeo Markoff Deborah J. Ward Jodie Rosam, Chair Cayla Crivello, Vice Chair County of Hawaii PUBLIC ACCESS, OPEN SPACE, AND NATURAL RESOURCES PRESERVATION COMMISSION 25 Aupuni Street- Suite No. 1101 • Hilo, Hawaii 967,20-4245 Phone (808) 961-8069 • Fax (808) 961-8248' MEMORANDUM TO: Diane Nakagawa, Director Finance Department FROM: Jodie Rosam PONC Chair DATE: April 9, 2025 SUBJECT: Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Commission (PONC) 2025 Stewardship Grant Request Review & Recommendation Pursuant to Hawaii County Code §2 217(4) & (5), the Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Commission (PONC) is submitting its recommendations to the Director of Finance for Stewardship Grant Applications submitted for the 2025-2026 application period. A total of 12 applications were received by the deadline of September 3, 2024. The PONC Commission held regular meetings on November 18, 2024, and January 13, 2025, to review the applications. During these meetings, the Commission received public testimony and held discussions with applicants, allowing for questions and clarifications regarding the applications. After thorough review and discussion, the Commission voted to recommend the following grant applications for approval: a. Application: STU.25-01 Applicant: Hawaiian Islands Land Trust (HILT) Property: Mahukona Navigation & Ecological Complex Tax Map Key: (3) 5-7-002:027, 036, 037 (3) 5-7-003:001, 002, 003, 007, 008, 018 Project Name: Maintenance & Public Education Activities at Mahukona Navigation and Ecological Complex Proposed Scope: Invasive species removal, native plant restoration, educational curriculum development, and public educational activities such as guided hikes and school site visits. Hawaii County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Provider Requested Amt: $76,348 Recommend Amt: $63,516 Comments: The amount requested was for $76,348. When asked to provide an itemization of the requested amount, "fringe benefits" of $12,832 was listed as part of the PONC Request. The Commission found that fringe benefits are not a listed, approved expense for the PONC Maintenance Fund. b. Application: STU.25-02 Applicant: Pohaha I Ka Lani Property: Waip`io Valley Lookout Tax Map Key: (3) 4-8-004:006 Project Name: Koa`ekea Proposed Scope: Vegetation management, volunteer hosting, fire hazard reduction, and fence repair. Requested Amt: $80,400 Recommend Amt: $72,400 Comments: The amount requested was $80,400. When asked for more information on the $8,000 "food for volunteers," the applicant expressed their belief that this is a necessary expense that they are committed to providing. The Commission found that "food for volunteers" is not a listed, approved expense for the PONC Maintenance Fund, per HCC Section 10-16(g). c. Application: STU.25-03 Applicant: Kupa Aina O Keauhou Property: Keauhou Bay Tax Map Key: (3) 7-8-012:035, 106 Project Name: Keauhou Stewardship Program Proposed Scope: Native plant and aquaculture restoration, educational workshops, community involvement, and security measures. Requested Amt: $83,000 Recommend Amt: $55,000 Comments: The total amount requested was $83,000. No representative attended the interview opportunity made available for all applicants in the Nov. 18 meeting, which meant that the applicant was not present for numerous questions that commissioners wanted to ask. The applicant responded to a few questions sent by the commission after Nov. 18, but there remained insufficient detail in the application. In order to facilitate the start-up of land maintenance, community -based planning discussions, and public education activities, partial funding was approved by the Commission for (1) organizing of `Aina Workdays; (2) development of educational workshops; (3) purchase of tools, equipment and supplies; and (4) "Security Measures" to be identified, reviewed, and approved by Property Management. Hawaii County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Provider Partial funding of $55,000 was approved for (1) — (4). Management Planning will be needed, and how planning will be accomplished is yet to be determined. d. Application: STU.25-04 Applicant: Kohanaiki Ohana Property: O `oma Tax Map Key: (3) 7-3=009:004 Project Name: Malama O`oma Stewardship Project Proposed Scope: Invasive species removal, native plant restoration, and integration of stewardship activities into local school curriculums. Requested Amt: $48,000 Recommend Amt: $48,000 e. Application: STU.25-05 Applicant: Hawaii Environmental Restoration (HER) Property: Wai`ele Tax Map Key: (3) 1-4-003:003, 037 Project Name: (Maintenance) Ho`ohui No Wai`ele and (Management) Digitized Resource Database — Implementation Phase Proposed Scope: Invasive species control, fire ant control, path creation, and marine debris removal. Requested Amt: $45,037.01 Recommend Amt: $24,842.08 Comments: The amount originally requested was $20,194.93 for Management Planning and $24,842.08 for Maintenance Activities and Public Education for a total of $45,037.01. However, in the interview on November 18, 2024, it became clear that the Management Planning portion of the request may be duplicative of the planning effort underway by Malama o Puna in the same TMK property. A clarified application was submitted by the deadline for providing more information. It removed the request for Management Planning and resubmitted the request for $24,842.08 for Maintenance Activities and Public Education. The Commission approved the resubmitted $24,842.08 request at its Jan. 13 meeting. f. Application: STU.25-06 (Application withdrawn by applicant) Applicant: Na Maka Haloa O Waipi`o Property: Pohoiki Tax Map Key: (3) 1-3-008:097 Project Name: Pohoiki Management Proposed Scope: Creation of a management plan, community education, cultural workshops, and consistent property maintenance Requested Amt: $237,000 Recommend Amt: $0 3 Hawai'i County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Provider Comments: Applicant withdrew application after interview on November 18 and receipt of Commission's request for more information. g. Application: STU.25-07 Applicant: Na Mamo O Kawa Property: Kawa Tax Map Key: (3) 9-5-016:006, 025 (3) 9-5-017:005, 007 Project Name: Kawa Stewardship Program Proposed Scope: Trail maintenance, resource monitoring, invasive species control, and volunteer group hosting. Requested Amt: $137,280 Recommend Amt: $137,280 (pending additional information & Finance review) Comments: No representative attended the interview opportunity made available for all applicants in the Nov. 18 meeting, which meant that the applicant was not present for numerous questions that commissioners wanted to ask. Additional information was requested, and applicant submitted additional information well after the deadline. Commission recessed in order to do an on -the - spot review of the additional -information at the January 13 meeting. Commission approved the request of $137,280, subject to Dept. of Finance review of their request and the applicant providing a more detailed budget to the Department. h. Application: STU.25-08 Applicant: Friends of Amy B.H. Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden Property: The Greenwell Ethnobotanical Gardens Tax Map Key: (3) 8-2-013:002, 003, 014 (3) 8-2-014:043 (3) 8-2-015:059 Project Name: Na Mala O Kona — Planning, Maintenance, and Education Proposed Scope: Maintenance and improvement of facilities and use of space for community activities, exhibit restoration, trail upgrades, forest canopy expansion, and public education. Requested Amt: $362,920 Recommend Amt: $362,920 i. Application: STU.25-09 Applicant: Ala Kahakai Trail Association Property: Waikapuna, Kaunamano, Kiolaka`a Tax Map Key: (3) 9-5-007:016 (3) 9-5-011:001, 004, 005, 006 (3) 9-5-012:001 (3) 9-4-001:008, 009, 016, 017, 023 Project Name: Ka`u Heritage Preserve Ranger Program 4 Hawaii County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Provider Proposed Scope: Field crew management, trail and road maintenance, marine debris removal, and habitat restoration. Requested Amt: $145,025 Recommend Amt: $145,025 Application: STU.25-10 Applicant: Ala Kahakai Trail Association Property: Kiolaka`a Tax Map Key: (3) 9-4-001:008, 009, 016, 017, 023 Project Name: Kiolaka`a Community Resource Management Plan Proposed Scope: Development of a Community Resource Management Plan Requested Amt: $86,750 Recommend Amt: $86,750 k. Application: Applicant: Property: Tax Map Key: Project Name: Proposed Scope: STU.25-11 Ala Kahakai Trail Association Kahua Olohu (3) 9-5-012:005 Kahua `Olohu Stewardship Program Grass mowing, debris removal, public education, cultural events, and waste management. Requested Amt: $22,750 Recommend Amt: $21,750 Comments: Original request was for $22,750, but General Liability Insurance of $1;000 was removed as ineligible under HCC Section 10-16(g). Commission approved $21,750. Application: STU.25-1.2 Applicant: Vipassana Hawaii Property: Halelua Tax Map Key: (3) 5-3-007:010 Project Name: Halelua Management Planning Proposed Scope: Food and refreshments for community meetings regarding property management planning Requested Amt: $1,000 Recommend Amt: $0 Comments: On November 18 Commission disapproved request of $1,000 for food and refreshments for community meetings as ineligible under HCC Section 10-16(g). Should you have any questions or require additional information, please contact Property Management at PropertyManagement@hawaiicounty.gov. Mahalo. Hawaii County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Provider