REP FC 058 2017/11/01 (2016-2018)

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REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE DATE: November 1, 2017 Re: Comm. No. 551/Bill No. 73 PLACE: Council Chambers Hilo, Hawai`i TIME: 11:12 a.m. Council Chair and Members Hawai`i County Council Hilo, Hawai`i 96720 Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred Bill No. 73, reports as follows: Bill No. 73, transmitted by Finance Director Deanna Sako, via Communication No. 551 dated October 11, 2017, amends Ordinance No. 17-40, as amended, relating to public improvements and financing thereof for the Fiscal Year July 1, 2017 to June 30, 2018. This bill adds the Parks and Recreation Kahalu`u Beach Park Improvements project for $600,000 to the Capital Budget. Funds for this project shall be provided from the General Obligation Bonds, Capital Projects Fund - Fund Balance and/or Other.Sources. Funds would be used for the planning and design phase of the project. Council Member Dru Mamo Kanuha gave a brief background on this bill. Over the years there have been a lot of community involvement in improving archaeological sites and the ponds but in the last several years, with the wave action and with the sea level rise, it started eroding the facilities and the walls. It literally took out the pond that the community built and is now in terrible shape. Mr. Kanuha also noted that due to severe erosion, one of the pavilions was closed due to safety issues. He stated that prior plans included improving the roofing and repair of the restrooms. These improvements, at this time, should be placed on hold as it does not make sense to proceed if the foundation of the main pavilion gets ripped out in the next few years. The real issue is how to improve the park and make plans for these changes. Mr. Kanuha stated the County will need to work with the State and Federal agencies to come up with a new master plan because of the park's proximity to the water. Currently, adjoining landowner Kamehameha Schools, is demolishing Keauhou Beach Hotel to create a cultural and educational area to teach about the historical significance of this area. Mr. Kanuha stated he would like to have it included on the Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) list in case funding does become available for this most visited beach on the west side. thanked Mr. Kanuha for the timelyaddition to the CIP budget and Council Member Karen Eoff g reiterated that Kahalu`u is the gem of the west side. The sea life is rich since people are not allowed to spear or fish in this area, so the fish are abundant there. The visitors and residents utilize Kahalu`u since it is one of the very few white sand beaches on the west side. FC Report No. 58