REP LAAC 021 2025-09-02 2024-2026

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REPORT OF THE LEGISLATIVE APPROVALS AND ACQUISITIONS COMMITTEE DATE: September 2, 2025 PLACE: Council Chambers Hilo, Hawaii TIME: 12:18 p.m. Council Chair and Members Hawaii County Council Hilo, Hawaii 96720 Re: Comm. No. 459/Res. No. 286-25 Your Committee on Legislative Approvals and Acquisitions, to which was referred Resolution No. 286-25, reports as follows: Resolution No. 286-25, transmitted by Council Member Ashley L. Kierkiewicz, via Communication No. 459, dated August 14, 2025, urges the Director of Finance to proceed with the acquisition of Honolulu Landing in the District of Puna using the Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation (PONC) Fund. This resolution urges the Director of Finance to acquire approximately 364.4 acres of land to protect and preserve cultural and natural resources and open certain areas of the property for educational, gathering, and cultural practices. Finance Deputy Director Malia Kekai and Property Manager Hamana Ventura were present in chambers. Ms. Kierkiewicz thanked everyone for their testimony, noting that it was the community who informed her that the property identified as Honolulu Landing had been listed for sale. She further noted that an authorization to negotiate the acquisition of these lands using the PONC Fund was granted in 2007 through Resolution No. 287-07, introduced by former Council Member Emily Naeole; however, almost 20 years later no action was taken. Ms. Kierkiewicz shared that there is approximately $30 million in the preservation fund, yet many properties that have been identified as needing preservation have not been purchased by the County. Ms. Kekai explained the process for PONC purchases and noted that, pursuant to the Hawaii County Code, a property could not be purchased above an appraised value. She stressed that this property is within the top five of Mayor Alameda's prioritized list and that an appraisal has been requested. Ms. Kekai further elaborated that the appraisal may not be available for two or three months from today, but once it is available, Finance will have a better understanding of how to move forward. Ms. Kierkiewicz appreciated the update and stressed that the resolution's "be it resolved" clause specifies to include stewardship of lineal descendants, noting its importance for such to be in perpetuity. Committee Member Rebecca Villegas inquired on the exact balance of the PONC Fund. Ms. Kekai answered that it is approximately $29 million. Ms. Villegas asked the names of the property owner and its broker and the assessed value. Ms. Kekai and Mr. Ventura replied that although unsure of the name of the landowner, it was an entity; and Brent Wenner was the broker. Ms. Kekai added LAAC Report No. 21