HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP LAAC 021 2025-09-02 2024-2026REPORT 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
LAAC-21 Page 2 September 2, 2025
that the assessed value was approximately $3.9 million. Ms. Villegas noted that these properties are
critical to preserve and that the County needs to act as soon as possible since the property holds
significant historical and cultural pieces, before someone decides they want to pay $3.9 million for
this 300-plus acre property for tourism purposes.
Committee Member Holeka Goro Inaba expressed his support on this measure and requested an
update in two months.
Your Committee on Legislative Approvals and Acquisitions is in accord with the purpose and intent of
Resolution No. 286-25, and recommends its adoption.
dbk
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. KIMBALL, CHAIR
LAAC REPORT NO.: 21
ADOPTED: EP 1 7 2025