HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP PWIRC 039 03/21/2006 2004-2006 REPORT OF THE
COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS AND
INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS
DATE: Mazch 21, 2006 RE: Comm. No. 739/Res. No. 279-06
PLACE: Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort and Spa
TIME; 9:00 a.m.
Council Chair and Members
Hawaii County Council
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Your Committee on Public Works and Intergovernmental Relations, to which was referred
Resolution No. 279-06, reports as follows:
Resolution No. 279-06, transmitted by Finance Director William Takaba via Communication
No. 739, dated March 3, 2006, authorizes the granting of an easement for utility purposes over a
portion of Lot 2 (Kula`imano Heights, Unit VIII, Increment 2), being Tax Map Key`(3)2-8-
007:073, situate at Kumula Street, Pepe'ekeo, District of South Hilo, County and State of Hawaii,
to Hawaiian Telecom, Ina (perpetual easement for a digital line equipment site). An independent
appraiser has determined that the fair mazket value of the site with an area of 908 squaze feet is
$1,500.00.
Article XIII, § 13-12 of the Hawaii County Charter provides that the Council may accept gifts
which include the dedication of land on behalf on behalf of the County of Hawaii.
Gordon Yadao, Hawaiian Telecom, Inc. Section Manager -Engineering, and Sandra Padaken,
consultant for Hawaiian Telecom, Inc., provided information to your Committee members.
Hawaiian Telecom, Inc. is requesting the easement in order to install digital equipment that will
allow the utility company to improve its service to the public by reducing the existing cable loop
length for its fiber optic system. If granted, this easement will be one of three granted to the utility
company in this county.
Committee member Gary 5afazik suggested that Hawaiian Telecom team up with Sandwich Isle
Communications, and utilize Sandwich Isle's existing easement. Sandwich Isles Communication
is a private enterprise developed specifically to service only Hawaiian Homes properties.
Hawaiian Telecom services the general public. Both companies maintain separate and distinct
fiber optic systems. Mr. Safazik suggested that Hawaiian Telecom should team up with Sandwich
Isles Communications.
Committee member Bob Jacobson contrasted the granting of this easement with the proposed sale
of property fronting the Oceanview Inn in Kailua-Kona. Gerald Takase, Assistant Corporation
Counsel explained that an easement is appropriate, as the utility company serves a general public
purpose, there is limited foot traffiq the utility company will enclose the azea if requested, and the
liability risk is minimal. Oceanview Inn is a private enterprise exposed to high liability given the
nature of the business, the high volume of foot traffic and the genera] location.
Committee member Angel Pilago questioned the reasoning behind the proposed easement. Mr.
Pilago suggested that a lease or outright purchase would be more fiscally prudent. Mr. Pilago
stated that the county should consider forgoing the granting of easements in favor of lease or
purchase, in order to gain compensation for the county.
Committee member Virginia Isbell asked Mr. Takase to provide the Committee with a written
summary of the pros and cons of easements vs. lease vs. purchase. Ms. Isbell requested the
summary be provided prior to this resolution comes before the council for first reading. Mr.
Takase indicated that he would provide the written summary as requested.
Your Committee on Public Works and Intergovernmental Relations is in accord with the purpose
and intent of Resolution No. 2'79-06 and recommends its adoption.
awm
AYES NOES A&E EX Respectfixlly submitted,
ARAICAKI X
HIGH X COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS AND
HOFFMANN X INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS
HOLSCHUH X
IKEDA X -~F~'" ~ ~b~
ISBELL X DONALD IKEDA, CHAIR
JACOBSON X PWIRC REPORT NO. 39
PILAGO X APR 0
SAFARIK X ADOPTED: 5 2006