HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP FC 179 2014/06/17 (2012-2014) REPORT OF THE
COMMITTEE ON FINANCE
DATE: June 17, 2014 Re: Comm. No. 916/Res. No. 451-14
PLACE: Council Chambers
Kona, Hawai`i
TIME: 9:16 a.m.
Council Chair and Members
Hawai`i County Council
Hilo, Hawai`i 96720
Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred Resolution No. 451-14, reports as follows:
Resolution No. 451-14, transmitted by Council Member Greggor Ilagan, via Communication No. 916
dated May 29, 2014, authorizes the Director of Finance to enter into negotiations for the acquisition of
Tax Map Key: 1-5-010:032 in the District of Puna, utilizing the Public Access, Open Space, and Natural
Resources Preservation Fund, as provided in Section 10-15 of the Hawai`i County Charter.
The property is the result of the inadvertent consolidation/resubdivision of Conservation land. The
acquisition of the property would ensure conservation of culturally significant lands for lineal/cultural
descendants, residents of Hawai`i, and tourists.
Corporation Counsel Bill Brilhante appeared before Your Committee for questions. He recommended
that an Executive Session be held to discuss some possible legal exposure associated with this parcel of
land.
Some members of Your Committee expressed concern that this property has not gone through the normal
process of the County of Hawai`i Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resource Preservation
Commission (PONC).
Council Member Wille supports the resolution; however, she suggested using the Executive Fund for this
negotiation.
Council Member Ford, who opposes the resolution, felt that having an Executive Session would prevent
public transparency on this issue. She added that she supports preserving archaeological sites; however,
she does not support using PONC funds for this purchase based on the extenuating circumstances
involved.
Council Member Kern expressed his support of the resolution. He reminded the Council that Hawaiian
Paradise Park is the second largest subdivision in the United States and currently does not have any
PONC lands or County parks available to the community. Furthermore, Mr. Kern feels this parcel is
prime property and is a great opportunity for the County and the community.
For informational purposes, Council Member Kanuha voted "kanalua" then "aye."
Pursuant to Section 2-218, Hawai`i County Code 1983 (2005 Edition, as amended), the Director of
Finance is authorized to enter into negotiations for the acquisition of Tax Map Key: 1-5-010:032 in the
District of Puna, pursuant to the terms of Resolution No. 451-14.
FC Report No. 179
FC-179 Page 2 June 17, 2014
Your Committee on Finance is in accord with the purpose and intent of Resolution No. 451-14, and
recommends its adoption.
sc
AYES NOES ABS EX Respectfully submitted,
EOFF X
FORD x COMMITTEE ON FINANCE
ILAGAN X
KANUHA X
KERN X
ONISHI X `19 F C.✓ J P' � ��
POINDEXTER x VALERIE T. POINDEXTER, CHAIR
WILLE x FC REPORT NO.: 179
YOSHIMOTO x ADOPTED: JUL 0 2 2014