HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP FC 067 06/01/2009 2008-2010REPORT OF THE
COMMITTEE ON FINANCE
DATE: June 1, 2009 Re: Comm. No. 358/Res. No. 178-09
PLACE: Council Chambers
TIME: 9:02 a.m.
Council Chair and Members
Hawaii County Council
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred Resolution No. 178-09, reports as follows:
Resolution No. 178-09, transmitted by Councilmember Emily I. Naeole, via Communication
No. 358, dated May 18, 2009, authorizes the Director of Finance to enter into negotiations for
acquisition of TMK(s) 1-3-1:74 and 1-3-1:83, known as the Pahoa Steam Vents.
Funds from the Geothermal Relocation and Community Benefits Program would be used to
purchase these properties.
Councilmember Greenwell questioned if Federal funding pursued for improvements should the
County purchase the property. Parks and Recreation Director Bob Fitzgerald stated that
improvements have been along-term goal, and to his knowledge no Federal funding was being
pursued.
Councilmember Hoffmann questioned whether Hawaii Volcanoes National Park was
approached about purchasing this property, because this would allow the County to use the
geothermal funds for other projects. Director Fitzgerald stated that he would look into it.
Councilmember Brenda Ford questioned what liability the County would be exposed to by
making this purchase. Corporation Counsel Lincoln Ashida advised that as long as there are no
improvements were being made to the parcel, posting warning signs in most cases would cover
the County's liability.
Planning Director Bobby Jean Leithead Todd stated her approval of using geothermal funds to
purchase the property. From a legal standpoint, Ms. Leithead Todd advised any existing
improvements, such as ladders, railings, et cetera, be removed from the property upon its
acquisition.
Councilmember Pete Hoffman moved to amend Resolution 178-09 with Comm. No. 358.2. The
amendment adds a comma in the title; inserts the "Be It Resolved" clause, which was omitted;
and corrects the "Be It Finally Resolved" clause. The amendment was adopted by a vote of 8-0.
FC REPORT NO. 67
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Comm. 358
Resolution No. 178-09
Page -2-
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Your Committee on Finance is in accord with the purpose and intent of Resolution No. 178-09,
as amended to Draft 2, and recommends its adoption.
sao
AYES NOES A&E EX
ENRIQUES X
FORD X
CREENWELL X
HOFFMANN X
IKEDA X
NAEOLE X
ONISHI X
YAGONG X
YOSHIMOTO X
Respectfully submitted,
COMMITTEE ON FINANCE
DOMINIC YAGON~CHi
FC REPO NO.
AUG 0 5 2009