HomeMy WebLinkAboutComm 25-032 re 2026 Pre Review Report JNSV OF h,� COMM 25-032
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C.Kimo Alameda,Ph.D. ����'�"' Diane Nakagawa
Mayor Director
William V.Brilhante,Jr. Malia A.Kekai
,TE OF NFL
Managing Director Deputy Director
County of Hawaii
Finance Department—Property Management Division
25 Aupuni Street,Room 1101 • Hilo,Hawaii 96720
(808)961-8069 • Fax(808)961-s24s
DATE: October 30, 2025
TO: Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources
Preservation Commission
FROM: Department of Finance Property Management Division
SUBJECT: 2026 Stewardship Grant Application Pre-Review Report
The following report summarizes our preliminary review evaluations of stewardship grant applications
received for the fiscal year 2026-2027. These evaluations aim to assist the PONC in making informed
recommendations for the approval of grant funds based on the proposed scope of work, adherence to the
Hawaii County Charter and Hawaii County Code, and potential areas of concern for each application.
Application STU.26-01
ID:
Applicant: Aumakua Acres
Property: Kawa: 9-5-017:007
Requested $30,000
Amount:
Proposed Removal of inoculates[sic]and the restoration of native vegetation and
Scope: creatures.
Comments • The application did not include any supporting documentation,
including required Non-Profit 501 (c)(3) IRS Determination Letter,
Organization Bylaws, Mission Statement, Certificate of Vendor
Compliance, and Letter of Authorized Signer for organization.
• The applicant does not appear to have sufficient existing expertise to
restore the native habitat and support endemic species. Requested
funds would be used to hire an ecologist.
• The applicant was incorporated on April 11, 2025 and may not comply
with Hawaii County Code 138: "The nonprofit organization has at least
one year's experience with the service or activity for which the
appropriation is sought or can otherwise demonstrate to the
satisfaction of the County sufficient expertise to successfully carry out
the service or activity."
• The application does not include other parcels: (TMKs 9-5-016:006, 9-
5-016:026 and 9-5-017:005
Hawaii County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Provider
Application STU.26-02
ID:
Applicant: Kohanaiki 'Ohana
Property: O'oma Beach, N. Kona: 7-3-009:004
Requested $48,000
Amount:
Proposed Invasive species removal, native plant propagation and restoration, and
Scope: integration of stewardship activities into local school curriculums
Comments This is a continuation of the current stewardship and maintenance activities.
Application STU.26-03
ID:
Applicant: Keauhou Canoe Club
Property: Keauhou Bay, N. Kona TMKs 7-8-012:35 and 7-8-012:106
Requested $35,000/$46,500
Amount:
Proposed Clearing area to provide site for Hawaiian cultural events. Restoration of
Scope: native plants and provision of security for the property.
Comments: • Grant funds requested on page 2 of the application of$35,000 do not
match total grant funds requested in application budget of$35,000 of
$46,500.
• Per budget breakdown, $45,000 of grant funds would be paid to
contractors for security and site clearance with remainder of$1,500
towards plant purchases and maintenance. Security is not a
reimbursable expense.
Application STU.26-04
ID:
Applicant: Kupa Aina O Keauhou
Property: Keauhou Bay, N. Kona TMKs 7-8-012:35 and 7-8-012:106
Requested $93,000/$79,000
Amount:
Proposed Development and maintenance of archaeological inventory, invasive species
Scope: removal and native plant restoration and propagation of native coastal plants.
Hosting workshops. Establishing a monitoring program for adjacent coastline.
Comments • Organization's Bylaws state that Directors may be compensated.
• Application does not include required letter of Authorized signer for
the organization.
• Applicant did not initial section J of the application acknowledging the
required documents if awarded grant funds.
• There is no management plan in place and the project scope is wide:
from restoring marine ecosystems and monitoring nutrient levels to
establishing a nursery and hosting workshops. Proposed activities
may not be viable.
Hawaii County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Provider
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• Unclear how applicant intends to monitor coastline and research
effects of commercialization in the Bay.
• Unclear why funds are required for the following management
planning budget items: partnering with kupuna and volunteers, best
practice research and archaeological site stewardship etc.
• Native species management and visitor guidelines and signage should
fall with the maintenance budget.
• Budget details total $79,000 (actual requested amount not clear)
• The applicant has no other current sources of funding or financial
support.
Application STU.26-05
ID:
Applicant: Ala Kahakai Trail Association
Property: Kahua 'Olohu (Makahiki Lands), Ka'u: 9-5-012:005
Requested $33,950
Amount:
Proposed Manage and maintain the property for Makahiki activities. Brush cutting to
Scope: reduce wildfire risk.
Comments: • Organization's Bylaws state that Directors/Officers may be
compensated.
• The equipment and supplies budget includes$1,000 for transportation
and equipment—site travel and supply runs. Transportation is not a
reimbursable expense.
Application STU.26-06
ID:
Applicant: Ala Kahakai Trail Association
Property: Waikpuna 9-5-012:005, Kaunamano 9-5-11;01, 04, 05, 06, 9-5-12:001,
Kiolaka'a 9-4-01:08, 09, 16, 17, 23 and Kahua 'Olohu 9-5-12:005
Requested $175,655
Amount:
Proposed Ka'u Heritage Preserve Ranger Program.
Scope: Maintenance of a field crew to conserve and preserve all properties subject to
the conservation easement to achieve goals listed in the Community Resource
Management Plan.
General property inspections and maintenance, resource monitoring, assisting
with public access and education, public safety and wildfire prevention.
Comments: • Organization's Bylaws state that Directors/Officers may be
compensated.
• 4 part time contractors from Lynker Technologies will be hired to
assist with public safety, maintenance and preservation for$170,655.
Increase from $139,425 in 25/26.
• The equipment and supplies budget includes$1,000 for transportation
and equipment—site travel and supply runs. Transportation is not a
reimbursable expense.
Hawaii County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Provider
3
Application STU.26-07
ID:
Applicant: Ala Kahakai Trail Association
Property: Kiolaka'a 9-4-01:08, 09, 16, 17, 23
Requested $86,750
Amount:
Proposed Management planning to establish a resource management plan with
Scope: Nohopapa.
Comments: • Organization's Bylaws state that Directors/Officers may be
compensated.
• Continuation of project initiated by 2025-2026 and request for
remaining 50%of total cost of project.
Application STU.26-08
ID:
Applicant: Friends of Amy BH Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden
Property: Greenwell Ethnobotanical Gardens
Requested $229,000
Amount:
Proposed Expansion of nursery facility and installation of small greenhouse. Restoration
Scope: of trails and forest canopy management, facilities maintenance and public
education.
Comments: • Last budget item for$20,000 includes "tables/seating/tents etc.".
Further information required to determine if this would be a
reimbursable expense.
Application STU.26-09
ID:
Applicant: Pohaha I Ka Lani
Property: Waipio Valley Lookout
Requested $249,360
Amount:
Proposed Site maintenance, tree removal, repair of fences and gates, hosting volunteers
Scope: and group workdays and the construction of a pavilion and a shed.
Comments: . Tax filings for Pohaha I Ka Lani disclose salaries/compensation paid to
member(s) of their Board of Directors.
• HC Code 2-137—"The nonprofit organization has a governing board
whose members serve without compensation and adhere to a written
conflict of interest policy which complies with requirements of the
Internal Revenue Service, State law, and rules and regulations of the
finance director"
• Due to the above,the applicant is ineligible to receive County grant
funds this year.
Hawaii County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Provider
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The grant applications reflect a broad range of proposed stewardship activities, with many including tasks
that will require additional information from the applicant. Areas requiring more information include
overlapping tasks with prior contracts,incomplete management plans, and budgetary discrepancies. It is
recommended that applicants provide further clarification and adjustments to ensure that their proposals
align with PONC guidelines and avoid duplication of efforts and funding.
This report is submitted for the commission's review and consideration in making final grant
recommendations. Further inquiries with applicants to address outstanding concerns may be necessary.
Please do not hesitate to contact us should you have any questions.
Hawaii County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Provider
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