HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 1008.002 2016-2018 C►Q..UNT Y CLERK Dennis Hart,President
COUNTY OF H A SA 1 f a F, Alan Brown,VP
a � Kaleo Paik,Secretary
2018 AUG -7 9 0,0 Ray Broggini,Treasurer
Ulu Ching
- L - K ^� IH .A‘ 1 Keoni Fox
Linda Gallano
Waimakalani Iona
Ala Kahakai Trail Association P.O Box 2338 Kamuela,HI 96743 Kalani Souza
Kamuela Plunkett,Jr
Deborah Chang
Aric Arakaki,Ex-officio
Hawaii County Council Finance Committee and NPS Partner
25 Aupuni St.
Hilo,HI 96720
August 7,2018
Aloha Members of the Hawai'i County Council Finance Committee:
SUBJECT: Support for Resolution 650-18 Authorizing the Director of Finance to Enter into
Negotiations for the Acquisition of Land or a Conservation Easement for All or a Portion of the
Property Identified as TMK(3)9-5-007:016 in the Ahupua'a of Kahilipali iki and Kahilipalinui,
District of
Resolution 650-18 describes the many characteristics that make the above-mentioned
"Waikapuna Property" so unique and irreplaceable. Its cultural and historic heritage and
scientific,natural, and recreational values are at risk should it remain in private ownership. The
present landowners intend to transform it into a subdivided,modern development, should public
acquisition fail.
Over the past 2 years the Ala Kahakai Trail Association(ATA)has been advocating for public
purchase of the Waikapuna Property. The State's Legacy Land Conservation Fund has pledged
$2 million towards a purchase, and Hawai'i County's Public Access, Open Space,and Natural
Resources Preservation(PONC) Commission has highly recommended use of that fund for its
acquisition. County of Hawai'i assistance is critical to successfully conserving Waikapuna in
perpetuity.
Should the Waikapuna Property be acquired, ATA is willing to accept the kuleana of
collaborative stewardship of the property in Kai'. In keeping with our mission,we strive to
communicate and cooperate with the many stakeholders who want to be involved in community-
management of historic Hawaiian trails while preserving and protecting sensitive resources
nearby. To date,we have been most active in the Kona and Kohala districts.
Please support Resolution 650-18,authorizing the County Director of Finance to pursue a range
of funding mechanisms to protect this beloved part of Hawaii Island.
ahalo for your consideration, 100f6.2.
Comm. No.
Ref. To: P I PG
Deborah Chang Ref. DateAUG 0.7 2O1$
Board Member
Our mission is to support and guide a community-managed trail that honors those who came before
and perpetuates for those to follow — with protocols and respect for Hawai'i's past, present and future.