HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP FC 336 09/19/2006 2004-2006 REPORT OF THE
COMMITTEE ON FINANCE
DATE: September 19, 2006 RE: Comm. No. 1063/Res. No. 451-06
PLACE: Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort and Spa
78-128 `Ehukai Street
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
TIME: 8:30 a.m.
Council Chair and Members
Hawaii County Council
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred Resolution No. 451-06, reports as follows:
Resolution No. 451-06, transmitted by Council Member Bob Jacobson, via Communication No. 1063,
dated September 5, 2006, authorizes the Finance Director to enter into negotiations for the acquisition of
Tax Max Key Parcels 9-5-017:007, 9-5-017:005, 9-5-016:025, And 9-5-016:006, comprising
approximately 785.161 acres of land, collectively known as Kawa`a and Kawa`a Bay, in the District of
Ka`u, pursuant to Ordinance No. OS-166.
The Kawa`a/Kawa`a Bay azea has been prioritized by the Public Access, Open Space and Natural
Resources Preservation Commission as number one, with an 88 percent criteria score, in its report to the
Mayor dated April 5, 2006 and concurred by the Mayor in Communication No. 909, dated May 18,
2006. Kawa`a/Kawa`a Bay was designated by the Commission as Category A: "Lands or property
entitlements with high public interest, imminent needs for acquisition, and largest benefit to the general
public.
Section 2-217(1), Hawaii County Code, provides that the Public Access, Open Space, and Natural
Resources Preservation Commission's first duty and responsibility is: "To develop and submit to the
mayor, an initial island-wide prioritized list of qualifying lands worthy of preservation within six months
of being confirmed to the commission by the council. Priorities shall be listed on an island-wide rather
than district basis. The list shall include the significance of each parcel or entitlement identified the
reason for its priority, and its anticipated use after acquisition."
Your Committee heard and received testimonies in favor of this measure.
Some members of Your Committee were concerned that previously approved resolutions for other
parcels for earmazked preservation would be put aside as new resolutions are passed. However, William
Takaba, Finance Director, explained that each resolution will be handled as they aze passed, depending
on funding.
FC REPORT NO. 336
Council Member James Arakaki, explained that~Congressman Ed Case was looking into expanding the
Hawaii National Parks along the Ka`u Coast and asked William Takaba if this could still be done
should the County acquire the property. Per Mr. Takaba, it would be ideal if the County could preserve
the property in open space for future acquisition by the federal government for a National Park
expansion.
Your Committee on Finance is in accord with the purpose and intent of Resolution No. 451-06 and
recommends its adoption.
smc
AYES NOES A&E EX Respectfully submitted,
ARAKAKI X
HIGH x COMMITTEE ON FINANCE
HOFFMANN X ~ ~ ~ ~ac~,~ f)
HOLSCHUH X , Q,(/~
IKEDA X
ISBELL x VIRG IA ISBELL, CHAIR
JACOBSON X FC REPORT NO. 336
PILAGO X
SAFARIK X ADOPTED: OCT ~ s 2OOE