Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-09-09 Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Commission Minutes-Approved PUBLIC ACCESS, OPEN SPACE, AND NATURAL RESOURCES PRESERVATION COMMISSION (PONC) MINUTES-REGULAR SESSION Hilo County Building, Council Chambers September 9, 2019 I.CALL TO ORDER: The regular meeting of the Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Commission was called to order at 10:21 am by CHR. TOMICH Present Mr. Kekaulike Tomich CHAIR (CHR.) Dr. Wayne Frank, V. CHAIR Ms. Shellie Bee Allen Naungayan, Member Ms. E. Koohan Paik Mander, Member Ms. Susan Wells Fischer, Member Support Ms. Maxine Cutler, Commission Secretary Mr. Ronald Kim, Deputy Corporation Counsel Staff Mr. Hamana Ventura, Property Manager, Department of Finance Absent Mr. Rick Warshauer, Member Vacant District 5 & 7 II.STATEMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC ON AGENDA ITEMS: CHR. TOMICH: directed the commission to the next order of business, statements from the public on agenda items with the three-minute time limit and invites the first testier to the microphone: Palikapu Dedman testifies not in support of Stu. 19-002, National Parks Arts Foundation and their affiliation with Federal Government entities. He spoke about the native fishing rights and accessibilities issues with Kawa. He stresses the need for a shoreline plan, due to commercial- ized fishing and the over picking of Opihi. It affects the sustainability of the families that rely on the resources of Kawa. Tanya Ortega, the President, testifies in support of Stu. 19-002, Na- tional Parks Arts Foundation and clarifies that they are a Non-Profit organization 501(3) c. She gives a historical accounting of past pro- jects and seeks grant monies for filming production of Kawa, Kahuku, and Kahua Olohu PONC properties. PONC Se ptember 9, 2019 Mi nute s- Approved Page ΐ of Η Dwight Vicente testifies on the illegal occupation and the illegal pro- cession of the Hawaiian Islands and its lands. He encourages the commission to review the joint resolution regarding lands. He says that the Hawaiian Kingdom Government is still active today un-der the protest by Queen Liliuokalani. Wade Lee, landowner of property, its ecosystem, and restoration efforts in the restoration of the Sandalwood forest and other native plants, such as the Koa. He is here to learn about the Stewardship program and how they might be able to use grant funding to support the numerous projects. James Akau, Executive Director, testifies in support of Stu. 19-003, Na Mamo O Kawa. He gives a background accounting of the on-going stewardship efforts and projects. He expresses the need for native fishing rights, the harvesting of Opihi, and commercialized fishing events being held at Kawa. He validates public concerns and the need for shoreline plan. Keoni Fox, the Secretary/Treasurer testifies in support of Stu. 19-004, K He states that this is their third year applying for grant funding for Kahua Olohu. He says that they have just finished their first contract and mowing the grass. They are very excited to proceed with cultural activities. Sophie Hanoa introduces herself and her connection to Kawa testifies in support of Stu. 19-003, Na Mamo O Kawa and not in support of Stu. 19-002, National Parks Arts Foundation. She gives an accounting how the public disregard for the cultural significance of the property re- garding the three Heiaus; how the alignment, energy, and religious significance is extremely important to preserve it from outsiders. She ploitation. They are having issues with native rights, overfishing, and harvesting of Opihi which is being sold to support Crystal Meth. Larry Feldor, volunteer testifies in support of Stu. 19-003, Na Mamo O Kawa. He stresses the need to continue to steward the lands by working with the community, the who know about the land and support cultural practices. Jesse Potter, Executive Director, testifies in support of Stu. 19-001 Phh I Ka Lani. He gives a historical accounting of stewardship on- going efforts of the property. He states the need regarding accessi- bility, water issues (no water onsite), and application delays are over- lapping which makes maintenance and events scheduling over-lap- ping. Pernell Hanoa introduces himself, testifies not in support of Stu. 19-002 National Parks Arts Foundation. He expresses his concerns regarding PONC Se ptember 9, 2019 Mi nute s- Approved Page Α of Η the stewardship program being made available to non-residents. He suggestions the need to improve the stewardship processing of grants user-friendly and promptly. Being no further testimonies from the public, CHR. TOMICH closed statements from the public and directed the commission to proceed to the next order of business, Stewardship Grants motion to accept and file. III.STEWARDSHIP GRANTS (STU.): Stu. 19-001 005. Motion to accept and file (Accepted and Filed) Motion: MS. WELLS FISCHER moved to accept, and file all Stewardship Grant applications, Stu. 19-001 to 005. Seconded by DR. FRANK, being no discussions, CHR. TOMICH calls for a verbal vote, all members pre- sent voted aye, motion carried. Being no further questions from the commission, CHR. TOMICH directed the commission to proceed to the next order of business, Written C ommunica- tions motion to accept and file. IV.WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS: Comm. 19-045 to 052. Motion to accept and file (Accepted and Filed) Motion: MS. WELLS FISCHER moved to accept, and file all the above communications. Seconded by DR. FRANK, being no discussions, CHR. TOMICH calls for a verbal vote, all members present voted aye, mo- tion carried. Being no further questions from the commission, CHR. TOMICH: moves to the next item on the agenda and calls on the commission for ap- proval of the minutes. V.APPROVAL OF 2019 MINUTES: Motion to Approve (Approved) Motion: MS. WELLS FISCHER moto approve with changes that have been distributed. Seconded by DR. FRANK, no discussion was held, CHR. TOMICH calls for a verbal vote, all members present voted aye, motion carried. Being no further questions from the commission, CHR. TOMICH di- rected the commission to proceed to the next order of business, De- partment of Finance Report and invites Mr. Hamana Ventura to the microphone. VI.DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE REPORT: PONC Se ptember 9, 2019 Mi nute s- Approved Page Β of Η MR. VENTURA updates the commission regarding the progress of the Conservation Easements for Waikapuna and Amy Greenwell Ethnobo- tanical Gardens complies with State regulations and they follow the criteria of the State. Being no further questions from the commission, CHR. TOMICH di- rected the commission to proceed to the next order of business, Of- fice of the Corporation Counsel Report and invites Atty. Ronald Kim to the microphone. VII.OFFICE OF THE CORPORATION COUNSEL REPORT: ATTY. KIM states he has nothing to report and asks the commission if they need help with anything. Being no further questions or discussions from the commission to ATTY. KIM, CHR. TOMICH moves to the next item on the agenda, Chairper- VIII.: CHR. TOMICH states he has nothing to report and asks the commission if they need help with anything. Being no further questions or discussions from the commission to him, CHR. TOMICH moves to the next item on the agenda, Unfinished Busi- ness and calls on MS. CUTLER for her report. IX.UNFINISHED BUSINESS: MS. CUTLER reports backs to the commission about the Table of Con- tents and the Comprehensive Report (CR) for the 2019 Annual Report to the Mayor. She distributes communication with the State Librarian regarding filing copies of the Annual Reports with the State Library, font layout for the Annual Report, and the new CR outline. The com- mission defers submitting Annual Report to the State library indefi- nitely, approves the CR new outline, and chooses Arial font (size 12) for the entire Annual Report. Being no further questions or discussions from the commission to MS. CUTLER, CHR. TOMICH moves to the next item on the agenda, New Business and takes out of order Item 3 out of order and invites Ms. Tanya Ortega of Stu. 19-002 to the microphone. X.NEW BUSINESS: 3.Commission to review, to discuss, and make recommendations to the Department of Park and Recreation (P&R) 2020 Stewardship Grant applications by October 15, 2019. STU. 19-002: National Parts Arts Foundation: PONC Se ptember 9, 2019 Mi nute s- Approved Page Γ of Η The PONC Commission held a lengthy discussion with Ms. Tanya Ortega, NPAF President, who clarified the use of grant funding for filming a production of the cultural history of the People of Kawa, Kahua Olohu Makahiki Grounds, and along the Kahuku Coast, Ka'u, Hawai'i. Ms. Ortega confirms that they are a non-profit or- ganization and no affiliation to any Federal agency. The commis- sion was very insightful and recommended to Ms. Ortega, that there may be other funding sources within other agencies that might assist her, such as the County's Filming Commission. The commission voted that this project does not meet the Charter and should not move forward with a positive recommendation. Motion: MS. PAIK-MANDER to not recommend Stewardship grant- funding proposal from National Parks Arts Foundation. Se-conded by DR. FRANK. Being no further discussions, four members voted aye, with one opposed, motion carried. STU. 19-003: N Mamo I Kawa: The PONC Commission held a lengthy discussion with Mr. James Akau, Executive Director regarding delayed payments of previ- ous grant awards that affect the scheduling of maintenance of the property, educational events, and workshops with over 100 organizations. Mr. Akau testifies that there is a need for native rights and protection of the natural resources from commercial activities. He stresses the need for grant monies to come in on schedule. With limited and timely payments, it makes it very hard to keep up with the proprietary and financial needs. The PONC Commission voted that the project at this level of funding, as long as it meets the Charter, should move forward with a positive recommendation. Motion: MS. PAIK-MANDER mto recommend Stewardship grant- funding proposal from Na Mamo 0 Kawa. Seconded by DR. FRANK. Being no further discussions, all members voted aye, motion carried. STU. 19-001: Phh I Ka Lani: The PONC Commission held a lengthy discussion with Mr. Jessie raised on the delay of the grant awards. Mr. Potter explains that this delayed affect the scheduling of the maintenance of the property and upkeep. The grass grows fast and keeping track of the funds for which year is a constant struggle with P&R. Under the budget Summary, food items were just to provide the volunteers with water and snacks. Mr. Potter explained that they hold over 20 PONC Se ptember 9, 2019 Mi nute s- Approved Page Δ of Η events each year with hundreds of volunteers that comes from district schools: Elementary to the Universities. The PONC Commission voted that the project at this level of funding, as long as it meets the Charter, should move forward with a positive recommendation. Motion: MS. PAIK-MANDER to recommend Stewardship grant- FRANK. Being no further discussions, all members voted aye, mo-tion carried. STU. 19-: The PONC Commission held a lengthy discussion with Mr. Keoni Fox, Secretary/Treasurer, expresses the need for a better quicker way of processing grant awards. He explains that these delays affect the scheduling of the maintenance of cutting the grass. They wish to hold Makahiki Events on the property. The PONC Commission noted that the project at this level of funding, as long as it meets the Charter, should move forward with a positive recommendation. Motion: MS. PAIK-MANDER m to recommend Stewardship grant- funding proposal from Ho'omalu Ka'u. Seconded by MS. WELLS FISCHER; being no further discussions, all members voted aye, motion carried. STU.19-005: Cave Conservancy of Hawai'i: The PONC Commission did not hold any discussion with any repre- sentative from this non-profit. A quick review of the Project Budget "$10,000 for field days, laboratory work, housing, travel, and work ." The commission's concerns that these costs do not meet the Charter regarding research in photographing and documen tation of the caves, and lava tubes. Therefore, the Commission voted that the project at this level of funding, as long as it meets the Charter, should move forward with a positive recommendation and urges P&R to review their re- quest. Motion: MS. PAIK-MANDER mto recommend Stewardship grant- funding proposal from Cave Conservancy of Hawai'i. Se-conded by DR. FRANK; being no further discussions, all members voted aye, motion carried. PONC Se ptember 9, 2019 Mi nute s- Approved Page Ε of Η Being no further questions or discussions from the commission for Item 3, CHR. TOMICH moves to the next item on the agenda, Item 1. New Business and takes out of order Item 3 out of order and invites MS. CUTLER to report the 2019 Prioritized Scoring Results. 1.Review the Prioritized Scoring Results of the 2019 Suggestion Forms as presented by MS. CUTLER. COMM. % RANK No. 19- NAME OF SITE OR PROJECT RESULTS 1 027 , Kau 92.00 ina, S. Kona 2 025 89.00 3 019 , N. Kohala 87.00 4 013 Mahukona, N. Kohala 86.57 5 021 Amy Greenwell EB. Gardens, S. Kona 86.57 6 018 Halelua, N. Kohala 86.29 7 020 Kaupalaoa, N. Kohala 85.57 8 016 Lamaloloa, N. Kohala 85.00 9 017 Honoipu, N. Kohala 76.57 10 015 Keawenui, N. Kohala 74.29 11 014 Kukuipahu-Haena Corridor, N. Kohala 74.14 12 003 Pohue Bay, Kau 63.57 13 023 Mermaid Ponds Access, Puna 55.00 Less than 50% 14 024 Kona Village Rezone 470, N. Kona 45.00 15 022 Kaimu Ocean Access, Puna 39.57 16 004 Bishop Estate, , N. Kona 21.86 17 026 , S. Kona 17.44 Being no further questions from the commission, CHR. TOMICH calls for a motion to approve the 2019 Prioritized Scores for the 2019 Annual Report to the Mayor. Motion: DR. FRANK moved to approve the 2019 Prioritized List above and that the scoring calculations did not include the two vacancies Seconded by MS. WELLS FISCHER; being no further discussions, all members voted aye, motion carried. Being no further questions or discussions from the commission for Item 1, CHR. TOMICH moves to the next item on the agenda, Item 2, under New Business. 2.The commission made assignments the 2019 Annual Report Priori- tize Summaries amongst themselves with a due date of October 25, 2019, by 4:30 p.m. PONC Se ptember 9, 2019 Mi nute s- Approved Page Ζ of Η Being no further questions or discussions from the commission for Item 2, CHR. TOMICH moves to the next item on the agenda, 4.The Commission may go into executive session to seek advice from counsel regarding questions and issues about duties, privileges, immunities, and liabilities. Being no discussions or concerns for executive session, CHR. TOMICH moves to the next item on the agenda, Announcements and set the agenda. XI.ANNOUNCEMENTS: 1.The next meeting scheduled for Monday, November 4, 2019, at Room 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Highway, Kailua- 96740. 2.Set agenda items for Monday, November 4, 2019, to include: a.Review and approve Annual Report to the Mayor b.Review and approve the 2020 PONC Calendar c.Select 2020 PONC Chair and Vice-Chair XII.ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business at approx. 2:47 p.m., CHR. TOMICH adjourns the meeting. Respectfully submitted by: Maxine Cutler Commission Secretary Draft Posted: October 28, 2019 Approved on November 4, 2019 Approved Posted: December 31, 2019. PONC Se ptember 9, 2019 Mi nute s- Approved Page Η of Η