HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP FC 137 08/21/2007 2006-2008 _ _
REPORT OF THE
COMMITTEE ON FINANCE
DATE: August 21, 2007 RE: Comm. No. 569/Res. No. 286-07
PLACE: Council Chambers, Ben Franklin Bldg.
TIME: 3:08 p.m.
Council Chair and Members
Hawaii County Council
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred Resolution No. 286-07, reports as follows:
Resolution No. 286-07, transmitted by Council Member Emily Naeole, via Communication
No. 569, dated July 26, 2007, authorizes the Finance Director to enter into negotiations for the
acquisition of Wai`ele in the District of Puna, Hawaii, identified by Tax Map Key:l-4-03:003
and 1-4-03:037.
The Commission's updated list ranked Wai`ele as the ntunber seven priority and assigned an
80% criteria score. It identified the significance of Wai`ele's cultural and historical sites, that it
holds one of the last hala groves in this area, that it is adjacent to Kahuwai, a site with existing
educational programs, and that it is adjacent to the Nanawale Forest Reserve. The Commission
anticipated Wai`ele being utilized for swimming, snorkeling, picnicking, fishing, camping, and
for traditional gathering practices, namely for lauhala and la`au lapa`au.
Council Member Emily Naeole made note of the fact that there is funding from the Puna
Geothermal Venture to the County, and stated the possibility of utilizing this funding as a
mechanism to acquire Wai`ele. Director of Finance William Takaba stated that the County does
receive royalties from Puna Geothermal Venture for relocation and mitigation of potential
disasters. Mr. Takaba also mentioned that it is at the Council's discretion to work with the
Department of Planning in regazds to the royalties being received as a funding mechanism for the
acquiring of Wai`ele.
Your Committee on Finance is in accord with the purpose and intent of Resolution No. 286-07
and recommends its adoption.
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Hues noes a&e ex Respectfully submitted,
FORD X
RICA x COMMITTEE ON FINANCE
HOFFMANN X
IKEDA X
JACOBSON X
NAEOLE X
PILACO x DOMINIC YAGO G C I
vncorlc X FC REP N 137
YOSHIMOTO X ADOPTS POO7