HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP FC 040 04/05/2011 2010-2012 REPORT OF THE
COMMITTEE ON FINANCE
DATE: April 5, 2011 Re: Comm. No. 140 /Res. 49 -11
PLACE: Council Chambers
Hilo, Hawai`i
TIME: 3:30 p.m.
Council Chair and Members
Hawai`i County Council
Hilo, Hawai`i 96720
Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred Resolution No. 49 -11, reports as follows:
Resolution No. 49 -11, transmitted by Councilmember Brittany Smart, dated March 17, 2011,
authorizes the Director of Finance to enter into negotiations for the acquisition of
TMK: (3)9 -2- 001:075, situated in Kahuku, Ka`u, also known as the Kahuku Coastal Property.
This parcel of property is comprised of approximately 3,127.95 acres, which was awarded the
fifth highest criteria score by the Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources
Preservation Commission on its prioritized list of qualifying lands worthy preservation dated
December 28, 2009.
The parcel contains numerous historical and cultural sites, has kipukas and lowland dry forest
ecosystems, anchialine ponds, nesting habitats for the endangered hawksbill turtle, and over a
mile of ocean frontage. There are several right -of -ways through the parcel to the coastline.
Ms. Smart urged the support of Your Committee, stating that there is little access to the ocean
front in the Ocean View area. This particular mile of beach is already well utilized by the public
as a popular place for camping and fishing. Should the County take ownership of the parcel, not
only will the historic and cultural value be preserved, but the public will be provided with a legal
right of way to this popular ocean front area.
Pursuant to Section 2 -214, Hawai`i County Code, there shall be a Public Access, Open Space
and Natural Resources Preservation Fund for the purpose of acquiring lands or property
entitlements in the county of Hawai`i for public outdoor recreation and education, including
access to beaches and mountains; preservation of historic or culturally important land areas and
sites, protection of natural resources, including buffer zones; preservation of forests, beaches,
coastal areas, natural beauty and agricultural lands; and protection of watershed lands to preserve
water quality and water supply.
FC Rept. No. 40
FC -40 Page 2 April 5, 2011
Further, Section 2 -218 states that the Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources
Commission shall submit a prioritized list of qualifying parcels to the Mayor and the Council
shall, by resolution, select the land or lands from the list to be preserved.
Your Committee on Finance is in accord with the purpose and intent of Resolution No. 49 -11,
and recommends its adoption.
dkr
AYES NOES A &E EX Respectfully submitted,
BLAS X
FORD x COMMITTEE ON FINANCE
HOFFMANN X
IKEDA X
ONISHI X gi.e.-7.--/-44.— Cyr 1 "
PILAGO X
SMART x BRENDA FORD, CHAIR
YAGONG X FC REPORT NO. 2 0 40
ZQ11
YOSHIMOTO X ADOPTED: APR