HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP FC 037 2015/10/06 (2014-2016) 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
FC-37 Page 2 October 6, 2015
Testifier Lehua Lopez-Mau came forward via videoconference from Na'alehu, and stated that this
property is currently not listed as a state or federal preservation site and further explained that the
process for accomplishing the same is onerous and long. Ms. Lopez-Mau further stated that this
property is surrounded on three sides by land that is owned by the State of Hawai`i.
Pursuant to Chapter 2, Article 42 of the Hawaii County Code, the Director of Finance may
be authorized to enter into negotiations for the acquisition of property utilizing the Public
Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Fund.
Your Committee on Finance is in accord with the purpose and intent of Resolution No. 287-15, and
recommends its adoption.
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AYES NOES ABS EX Respectfully submitted,
CHUNG X
DAVID x COMMITTEE ON FINANCE
EOFF X
ILAGAN X
KANUHA X
ONISHI X
g73--
PALEKA x KAREN EOFF, CHAIR
POINDEXTER x FC REPORT NO.: 37
WILLE x ADOPTED: NOV 1 8 2015