HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-03-09 Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Commission Minutes-Approved
K OOHAN P AIK M ANDER
R ICK W ARSHAUER
A LEX K ELEPOLO
Chairperson
S HELLIE B EE A LLEN N AUNGAYAN
D R. W AYNE F RANK
V ACANT (5)
Vice Chair
J USTIN B.L EE
K E K A’LIKE T OMICH
S USAN WELLS F ISCHER
County of Hawai‘i
PUBLIC ACCESS, OPEN SPACE, AND NATURAL RESOURCES
PRESERVATION COMMISSION
County Bldg. • 25 Aupuni Street Suite No. 1101 Hilo, Hawai‘i 96720-4245
Phone (808) 961-8069 Fax (808) 961-8248
MINUTES
I. CALL TO ORDER:
On March 9, 2020, the regular meeting of the Public Access, Open Space, and
Natural Recourses Preservation Commission was called to order at 10:09 am by
CHR. WARSHAUER takes roll located in the Hilo Council Chambers, 25 Aupuni
Street, Suite 1401, Hilo, Hawaii 96720.
Present:Mr. Rick Warshauer, Chair (CHR.)
Dr. Wayne Frank, Vice Chair
Ms. Alex Kelepolo, Member
Ms. Shellie Bee Allen Naungayan, Member
Mr. Justin B. Lee, Member
Mr. Keklike Tomich, Member
Ms. Koohan Paik Mander, Member (arrived 10:15 am)
Ms. Susan Wells Fischer, Member (arrived 10:20 am)
Support Staff: Ms. Maxine Cutler, Commission Secretary
Mr. Hamana Ventura, Property Manager, Dept. of Finance
Mr. Ronald Kim, Deputy Corporation Counsel
Absent: Vacant District 5
II. STATEMENT(S) FROM THE PUBLIC:
CHR. WARSHAUER directed the commission to the next order of business, state-
ments from the public on agenda items and invites the first testifier to the micro-
phone.
Toni Withington: in support of Sugg. 20-003 to 010 and 017, intro herself and the
four non-profits: Kamakani O Kohala Ohana, Malama Na Wahipana O Kohala,
Maika’i Kamakani O Kohala, and Malama Kohala Kahakai and their efforts in
conserving the remaining unpreserved portions of the Hapu’u to Kapanai’a a
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Cultural Corridor in No. Kohala which is Kamehameha Homelands. Mahukona
has native historical significance with burial sites and abundance of archeologi-
cal findings. Toni points out the landowner has been actively seeking a buyer for
the land.
Janet Britt: in support of Sugg. 20-020, was speaking for the Mako O Keawe Land
Conservancy. It has uncapped water springs and 27 acres used for Kalo and
Taro farming, high potential for Agri. farming. With several existing buildings, they
can be used for educational purposes. They have a letter from the landowner
who is interested in working with their commission.
Deborah Chang: in support of Sugg. 20-015, and tells the commission that she
submitted a written testimony. She talks about the need for shoreline public ac-
cess for these lots which was part already part of the subdivision plans. She gives
a background history of the problems of the public access as stated in her letter.
Jaerick Garcia: in support of Sugg. 20-015, as part of the community and Maka-
hanaloa Fisherman’s Association, he is also the caretaker of the lot. He presents
to the commission signatures of fishermen supporting this nomination. He tells
how their access was blocked by the illegal driveway which was built over it.
The property has historical value and significance to the community and public.
Matt Clark: in support of Sugg. 20-015, a member of ASM Affiliates, he performed
an Archeological Inventory Survey for the landowners in 2013 has rich plantation
heritage and traditional landscape of Hilo Bay. He says the landowners are will-
ing sellers. He also in support of Sugg. 20-016, verifies high cultural and historical
significance in the area. With community support for both nomination, both is a
perfect fit for the PONC program.
Lokelani Brandt: in support of Sugg. 20-015, as a native of Hilo and researcher for
ASM Affiliates, she gives a cultural and native historical background of the area.
She points out the landscape importance of Makahana Noa and Pepe’ekeo
Point. This was the point where Hiiaka looked towards Puna and saw the smoke
where her sister \[Pele\] had devastated the landscape. The views are rich in land-
scape and hopes it is preserved.
Reyna Hayashi: in support of Sugg. 20-016, as the Project Manager for the Trust
for Public Lands (TPL) are partnering with Ala Kahakai Trails Association (ATA) of
this parcel. This parcel is part of larger efforts in protecting the Ka’u coastal lands
for the community. They have a willing seller and working on grant funding.
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Keoni Fox: in support of Sugg. 20-016, working with TPL, talks about the parcel
hosting overnight camping, surfing, fishing, and diving. There is bay area has a
great sandy area; above the bay is a spring hosting fresh water; and forest and
dryland areas of the property.
Simmy McMichael: in support of Sugg. 20-001, 002, and 012, and reads her testi-
mony. In summary, she mentions the historical and cultural usage of the beach
area of Banyan, needs for parking, restrooms, pavilions, lifeguards, and buildings
to benefit the community and visitors. With willing sellers, she hopes that the
County can purchase these lands.
Lokelani McMichael: Lokelani supports 20-001, 002, 012 and gave a brief history
of the properties in relationship to the Ali’i. Banyan’s is used mostly by the surfers
including those of the royal family. There are problems with no parking or re-
strooms. Banyan’s should be saved.
Antu Harvey: in support of Sugg. 20-013, represents Holualoa Village Ohana and
and would be the steward groups
of these properties. She gives a brief history, school, and surrounding area. It is a
great opportunity to preserve it, as it is in threat of high development.
Leslie Rohl: in support of Sugg. 20-015, COO of Hilo LLC, and reads her testimony.
In summary, she gives a brief background of Hilo LLC, her background, and their
relationship in preserving this parcel for the people of Hawai‘i.
Caycie Wong: in support of Sugg. 20-015, as the attorney for the Hilo Project LLC.
She gives a brief background of the property, rich in history and cultural. There is
huge support from the local community and the fishermen.
Dean Fukuchi: in support of Sugg. 20-015, he reads his testimony and leaves a
copy of his testimony with the commission. In summary, he gives a brief history
during the era of sugarcane and the production of. He stresses the commission
to consider the surrounding lots which would be environmentally friendly buffer
zone.
Shae Kamakaala: in support of Sugg. 20-015, Director of Aina Protection for Ha-
waiian Islands Land Trust (HILT) and gives a brief description of their relationship
with the non-profits of Kohala. HILT is working for outside funding and community
members to support their application.
Edward Rapoza: in support of Sugg. 20-001, 013, and 015, as the real estate bro-
ker for the three landowners. He gives a brief description of each parcel and all
Hawai‘i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.
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owners are willing to sell. He was hired for his background in development and
his knowledge of the area that needs preserving.
Ku’ulani Miuse: in support of Sugg. 20-015, a cultural practitioner and nearby resi-
dent of Pepe’ekeo. She tells of the cultural significance of the point, its relation-
ship to surrounding areas, and native Hawaiian religious practices. She tells how
open space will allow access to the area for such practices.
Alison Yahna: in support of Sugg. 20-020, teacher and permaculturalist, she gives
a background of the property and its surrounding area. The property boosts nat-
ural springs, great for Taro, and farming. She has intimate knowledge of the prop-
erty as she is the caretaker and has permission from the landowner to live there.
Margaret McGuire: in support of Sugg. 20-020, as a longtime resident, she gives a
brief description of the historical value of Ha’o Springs and the surrounding areas.
She is a huge supporter of all the nominations.
Elizabeth Kuluwaimaka: in support of Sugg. 20-019, a member of Ka’u Multicul-
tural Society (collects artifacts and stories pertaining to Ka’u). She gives a histori-
cal background of this property, its historical value, and that the property is up
for sale. She desires to use the buildings on this property for education and have
a place to display the various artifacts that they collected.
There being no further testimonies, CHR. WARSHAUER, closes public testimony
and calls for a recess.
At 11:55 AM, CHR. WARSHAUER reconvene the meeting and calls on Commission
Secretary for changes to agenda items.
MS. CUTLER: directs the commission to Sugg. 20-015 change to the name of sug-
gestion form from Hilo LLC, North Kona to Pepe’ekeo ina Makahnaloa
‘ahupua‘a in South Hilo and asked the commission to make a motion to approve
changes.
Motion to Approve Change (Approved):
CHR WARSHAUER calls for a motion to accept the changes to Sugg. 20-015. DR.
FRANK moved to approve change to Sugg. 20-015, seconded by MR. TOMICH,
being no further discussion, CHR. WARSHAUER calls for a verbal vote, all members
present voted aye, motion carried.
Hawai‘i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.
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MS. CUTLER: directs the commission to changes made to Sugg. 20-013 deleting
parcels 047 and 049, keeping 003 from the suggestion and asked the commission
to make a motion to approve changes.
Motion to Approve Change (Approved):
CHR WARSHAUER calls for a motion to accept the changes to Sugg. 20-013 de-
leting parcels 047 and 049, keeping 003 from the suggestion and asked the com-
mission to make a motion to approve changes. DR. FRANK moved to approve
change to Sugg. 20-013, seconded by MR. TOMICH, being no discussion, CHR.
WARSHAUER calls for a verbal vote, all members present voted aye, motion car-
ried.
III. SUGGESTION FORMS (Sugg. 20-001 to 019), 020
Motion to accept and file (Accepted and Filed)
CHR. WARSHAUER directed the commission to the next order of business, motion
to motion to accept and file Sugg. 20-001 to 020.
Motion: MS. WELLS FISCHER motioned to accept and file Sugg. 20-001 to 019, se-
conded by MS. KELEPOLO, being no discussion, CHR. WARSHAUER calls for a ver-
bal vote, all members present voted aye, motion carried.
Motion: MS. NAUNGAYAN motioned to accept and file Sugg. 20-020, seconded
by MS. KELEPOLO, being no discussion, CHR. WARSHAUER calls for a verbal vote,
all members present voted aye, motion carried.
MS. NAUNGAUAN asks for if the bound booklet is the same as the pdf. of Sugg.
20-015. Ms. Wong (submitter) verifies that it is the same, there were no changes
to the nominations, just added the cover, and bounded it.
Being no further comments, CHR. WARSHAUER directs the commission to pro-
ceed to the next order of business, Witten Communications for a motion to ac-
cept and file.
IV. WRITTEN COMMUNICATION (Comm.): (COMM. 20-009 to 013 and 014 – 017)
Motion to Accept and File (Filed)
Motion: MS. WELLS FISCHER motioned to accept and file Comm. 20-009 to 013,
seconded by MS. KELEPOLO, being no discussion, CHR. WARSHAUER calls for a
verbal vote, all members present voted aye, motion carried.
Hawai‘i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.
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Motion: MS. WELLS FISCHER motioned to accept and file late Comm. 20-014 to
017, seconded by MS. KELEPOLO, being no discussion, CHR. WARSHAUER calls for
a verbal vote, all members present voted aye, motion carried.
CHR. WARSHAUER then directs the commission to proceed to the next order of
business, approval of January 13, 2020, regular session minutes.
V. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Minutes of January 13, 2020, Regular Session
Motion to Approve (Approved)
Motion: MS. WELLS FISCHER motioned to approve minutes of January 13, 2020, se-
conded by MS. KELEPOLO, being no discussion, CHR. WARSHAUER calls for a ver-
bal vote, all members present voted aye, motion carried.
CHR. WARSHAUER then directs the commission to proceed to the next order of
business, Department of Finance Report and invites MR. VENTURA to the micro-
phone.
VI. DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE REPORT:
MR. KIM for MR. Ventura updates the commission that properties still in progress
and working thru the due diligence
Being no discussion for MR. KIM, CHR. WARSHAUER directs the commission to pro-
ceed to the next order of business, Chairperson’s Report.
VII. CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT:
CHR. WARSHAUER reports to the commission the completion of the Waikapuna
Conservation Easement Project. He goes on to welcomes new members, District
2, MS. ALEX KELEPOLO and District 7, MR. JUSTIN LEE to the commission.
Being no further report, CHR. WARSHAUER directs the commission to proceed to
the next order of business, Unfinished Business, there being none, and he directs
the commission to New Business, the 2020 Suggestion 001 to 020 nominators.
VIII. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: \[none\]
IX. NEW BUSINESS:
1. 2020 Suggestion Forms received by February 28, 2020; discussions held with
applicants
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Sugg. 20-013 represented by Antu Harvey and Edward Rapoza discusses the
nomination with members of the commission, with opportunity to hold site vis-
its which may take about an hour.
Sugg. 20-001, 002, 012 represented by Simmy McMichael discusses the nomi-
nations with clarification: vacant lots, parcels are not connected; consisting
approx. 40 acres; stewardship by West Hawaii Surfing Associations; to read
the AIS report (possible burials, platforms, sites, etc.); reforestation possibilities
of Pahoehoe; construction of buildings, pavilions under the Preservation Fund
is prohibited; explains in detail the historical value of Ali’i drive.
Recess for Lunch, CHR. WARSHAUER calls for a recess for 20 minutes.
At 1:04 PM, CHR. WARSHAUER reconvenes the meeting.
Gwendolyn DeCoito testifies in support of Sugg. 20-015, born, raised, and lives
in Pepe’ekeo and tells of family relationship to the sugarcane plantation,
road maintenance fees, the association, and concerns regarding safety and
usage of the roadways. The Sugar Mill road is owned by the Pepe’ekeo Or-
chards Subdivision which is the first subdivision as you enter the road from the
main highway. The clarification of how much the subdivisions pay or the
trucking pays.
Sugg. 20-016 represented by Keoni Fox of Ala Kahakai Trail Association (ATA)
and Reyna Hayashi of The Trust for Public Lands (TPL) addresses the concerns
of the commission. The feasibility of site visits for the three parcels will include
the shoreline, ranching, dryline forest, village area. The visit will take all day, if
possible, a weekend visit will be best. For accessibility, there is an old road,
but will be using the south road. TPL did apply for LLC Grant and ranked #2
for $1.75 million, still pending BLNR approval. Stewardship of the parcel will
come from various groups. Their letter of support is included in the packets. It
is indicated in the application the need for protection and preservation as
the landowner got approval to subdivide the lands.
Sugg. 20-015 represented by Caycie Wong of Kobayashi, Sugita, & Goya, LLP
clarifies the use of Sugar Mill Road and the encumbered by two pedestrian
easements and a parking easement as you come down Sugar Mill Road. A
person (whose name was inaudible), a member of the Fisherman’s Associa-
tion, has control of the electric gate, and to stewardship this parcel. Site visit
was discussed for later in March.
Hawai‘i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.
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Sugg. 20-017 represented by Shae Kamakaala is the Director of Aina Protec-
tion for HILT introduces the parcels and reveals to the commission they are in
constant communication with the landowners, reviewed the Community De-
velopment Plans, and interview community groups willing to steward the
lands. Shae clarifies HILT and Na Kalai Wa’a as fee owners and hopes Conser-
vation easement with the County. HILT would be the fee owner and brings
with them expertise in managements and stewardship of the properties. HILT
would like to hold a Conservation Easement partnership with County. HILT will
work with various community groups for management and stewardship pro-
grams. HILT is available for site visits. She discusses with the commission when
site visits can be done in April for about three hours.
Sugg. 20-019 represented by Elizabeth Kuluwaimaka of Ka’ Multicultural So-
ciety introduces the historical value of Shirakawa Hotel to the community to
the future use of the hotel to be converted to museum or community center
for cultural education, preservation, and religious practices. She explains that
Hawaiian Civic Club. She discusses with the commission when site visits can
be done once she meets with the property owner.
Sugg. 20-020 represented by Alison Yahna of Kau Ola Mau and the care-
taker, gives a native cultural accounting of the
Stream and freshwater springs. She is an educator and testifies of rare flora
and fauna plants growing on the property. She tells of incredible eco-systems
flourishing on these lots. She says the property is listed for $1.7 and would like
to partner with the county for a conservation easement. She discusses with
the commission when site visits can be done in middle of March or early April.
There being no further discussion with the public, CHR. WARSHAUER then directs
the commission to proceed to the next order of business, 2020 Ad Hoc Site Visit
Committee and process.
2. 2020 Ad Hoc Site Visit Committee and process
There being no discussion regarding changes to Ad Hoc Site Committee and
process, CHR. WARSHAUER then directs the commission to proceed to next
item under new business.
3. 2020 Ad Hoc Site Visit Committees (AHSVC)
Motion to Approve (Approved)
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A lengthy discussion was held with members of the commission as to selection
of sites to visit and forming the ad hoc committees. The written reports will to
be determined at the site visit. The results of this discussion:
AHSVC Group No. 1. April 23, 2020, Sugg. 20-017, Mahukona
Commissioners – Kekaulike Tomich, Justin Lee, Rick Warshauer;
Alternate: Alex Kelepolo; Staff – Hamana Ventura, Property Manager
Site location:
N. Kohala, TMK (3) 5-3-07:10; 5-2-07:04, 27; 5-3-07:26, 23; 5-7-
02:11, 27, 36, 37; 5-7-03:01, 02, 03, 07, 08, 18.
AHSVC Group No. 2. April 11, 2020, Sugg. 20-016, Kiolaka’a
Commissioners – Kekaulike, Susan Wells Fischer, Alex Kelepolo, Justin Lee
Alternate: none; Staff – Maxine Cutler, Commission Secretary
Site location: Kau, TMK (3) 9-4-001:008, 009, 017
ADSVC Group No. 3. March 26, 2020, Sugg. 20-015, Pepe’ekeo Makahanaloa
Commissioners –E. Koohan Paik, Shelley Bee Naungayan, Dr. Wayne, Rick
Warshauer; Alternate: none; Staff – Maxine Cutler, Commission Secretary
Site location: S. Hilo TMK (3) 2-8-008:151
ADSVC Group No. 4, Date (TBA), Sugg. 20-001, Keakealaniwahine, Sugg. 20-
st
002, Pahoehoe 1 La’aloa, Sugg. 20-012, Magic Sands, Sugg. 20-013, Ke Ala
Kakou
Commissioners – Kekaulike, Shellie Naungayan, E. Koohan Paik, Rick War-
shauer; Alternate: Justin Lee; Staff – Maxine Cutler, Commission Secretary
Site location: N. Kona, TMK (3) 7-6-014:013; 7-7-008:120, 124; 7-7-004:063; 7-6-
004:003
ADSVC Group No. 5, Date (TBD), Sugg. 20-019, Shirakawa Hotel, Sugg. 20-020,
Ka’u Ola Mau (Ha’ao Springs)
Commissioners –E. Koohan Paik, Susan Wells Fischer, Dr. Wayne, Alex Kelepolo
Alternate: Rick Warshauer; Staff – Maxine Cutler, Commission Secretary
Site location: Na’alehu, Ka’u TMK (3) 9-5-001:025, 004:006, 009-011, 017-019,
021, 024-032
Being no further discussion, CHR. WARSHAUER calls for a motion to accept and
approve the Ad Hoc Site Visit Committees and Sites to Visit,
Motion: DR. FRANK motion to accept and approve the Ad Hoc Site Visit Commit-
tees and Sites to Visit, seconded by MS. KELEPOLO, being no discussion, CHR.
WARSHAUER calls for a verbal vote, all members present voted aye, motion car-
ried.
Hawai‘i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.
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X. ANNOUNCEMENTS
1. The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 11, 2020, at 10:00 a.m. in the
West Hawai’i Civic Center, Building G Council Chambers, 74-5044 Ane Keo-
hokalole Highway, Kailua Kona, Hawai’i 96740.
2. Set agenda for Monday, May 11, 2020.
a. 2020 Suggestion Forms received by February 28, 2020
b. 2020 Ad Hoc Site Visit Reports
c. Discuss Petition Formatting
XI. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business at approx. 4:00 p.m. CHR. WARSHAUER adjourns
the meeting.
Respectfully submitted by:
Maxine Cutler
Commission Secretary
Approved Minutes on July 13, 2020
Posted on August 10, 2020
Hawai‘i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.
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