REP FC 037 2015/10/06 (2014-2016)

Home

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE DATE: October 6, 2015 Re: Comm. No. 476/Res. No. 287-15 PLACE: Council Chambers Hilo, Hawai`i TIME: 10:50 a.m. Council Chair and Members Hawai`i County Council Hilo, Hawai`i 96720 Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred Resolution No. 287-15, reports as follows: Resolution No. 287-15,transmitted by Council Member Maile David, via Communication No. 476 dated September 18, 2015, authorizes the Director of Finance to Enter into negotiations for the acquisition of Tax Map Key (3)9-5-012:005 situated in the District of Ka`u, also known as Kahua `Olohu, utilizing the Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Fund. This 13 acre parcel is listed as a key priority for purchase in the 2014 Annual Report of the Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Commission for its historical significance and cultural importance. Council Member Maile David explained that the presence of Kahua `Olohu was made known to the County through an environmental and cultural review by the State Historic Preservation Division, for the proposed County wastewater treatment plant. Ms. David further explained that it was then determined to be most suitable for protection, as it was significant under multiple criteria. The County wastewater treatment plant was then relocated. Ms. David stated that that this unique area deserves preserving as it is one of only two makahiki sites in this State, then announced each organization and thanked them for their involvement and support. Finance Property Manager Hamana Ventura came forward to comment that testifiers who came forward for this resolution sufficiently provided all pertinent information about the property. Several council members expressed their support for the protection of our culturally significant places. FC Report No.: 37