REP FC 040 2015/11/17 (2014-2016)

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REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE DATE: November 17, 2015 Re: Comm. No. 541/Res.No. 327-15 PLACE: Council Chambers Kona, Hawai`i TIME: 4:56 p.m. Council Chair and Members Hawai`i County Council Hilo, Hawai`i 96720 Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred Resolution No. 327-15, reports as follows: Resolution No. 327-15, transmitted by Council Member Margaret Wille, via Communication No. 541 dated October 26, 2015, authorizes the Director of Finance to Enter into negotiations for the acquisition of Tax Map Key: (3)5-2-007:004 and 027 and 5-3-007:22, 023, 026, 032 and 033 known as the Hapu`u to Kapanai`a Cultural Corridor in North Kohala, pursuant to Chapter 2, Article 42, of the Hawai`i County Code 1983 (2005 edition, as amended.) The seven parcels, totaling 166.684 acres, are listed as priority No. 2 for purchase in the 2014 Annual Report of the Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Commission. Council Member Margaret Wille, introducer of this resolution, commented that the purchase of this property is an extraordinary opportunity. Realtor Beth Thoma Robinson came forward and commented that appraisals were currently being obtained, in response to Council Member Danny Paleka's inquiry about a sales price for the property. Tony Withington came forward with a map depicting this parcel in relation to the two other parcels listed as priorities for purchase in the 2014 Annual Report of the Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Commission. Council Members Dru Kanuha, Valerie Poindexter, Maile David and Chair Eoff expressed their support for the protection and preservation of these culturally significant places. Pursuant to Chapter 2, Article 42 of the Hawai`i 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. FC Report No.: 40