HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-12-31 (2021 Annual Report to the Mayor)Hapu u to Kapan
Photo Courtesy of Hamana Ventura
PREAMBLE
PUBLIC ACCESS, OPEN SPACE AND NATURAL RESOURCES
PRESERVATION PROGRAM
The purpose of the Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Program
(PONP) has two main focus areas. The focus areas are: 1) facilitate the process of eligible
properties for acquisition using the Preservation Fund “The Fund”, and 2) to manage these
properties with the Preservation Maintenance Fund, “PM Fund.” The authority of this program
can be found in the Hawai i County Code, Chapter 2, Ariticle 42.
The Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Commission (PONC) is a
commission formed to assist in the process. The Commission’s purpose:
To develop an initial island-wide prioritized list of qualifying lands worthy of preservation
and submit it to the mayor. Priorities shall be listed on an island-wide rather than district
basis. The list shall include the significance of each parcel or entitlement, identified the
reason for its priority, and its anticipated use after acquisition.
To update this list at any time, but at least annually by December 31 of each year.
To explore methods of funding for conservation easements or land acquisition and make
recommendations to the mayor. The commission shall give emphasis to conservation
easements or land acquisitions where the County’s contribution can be leveraged to
obtain State, Federal, and/or private FUNDs.
To review Stewardship Grant Applications and make recommendations to the
Department of Finance of the eligible non-profit organization to provide stewarding
efforts for property purchased with the Fund.
While in the second year of the pandemic, the
program is structured in a way that supports
and remains focus on the values of this
program: t
true recipients of this program, which protects
our lands from developement, as well as
endangered species.
Figure 1. The hawksbill sea turtle is a critically endangered
sea turtle. Named for their unique beak-like mouth, which
resembles that of a hawk.
Figure 2. The Hawaiian Monk Seals is on the Federal
endangered list and to some sources only about 1,100 left
in the wild.
County of Hawai‘i
Finance Department
25 Aupuni Street, Suite 1101 Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Phone (808) 961-8069 Fax (808) 961-8248
PUBLIC ACCESS, OPEN SPACE, AND NATURAL RESOURCES
PRESERVATION COMMISSION
Hawai’i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.
Deanna S. Sako
Director
Steven A. Hunt
Deputy Director
Hamana Ventura
Property Manager
Mitchell D. Roth
Mayor
December 10, 2021
Mayor Mitch Roth
County of Hawaii
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, Hawai‘i 96720
Dear Mayor Roth:
Attached is the 2021 Annual Report of the County of Hawaii Public Access, Open Space and
Natural Resource Preservation Commission (PONC), pursuant to Section 2-217 (2) of the
Hawaii County Code.
The Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Recourses Preservation Fund (FUND)
establishes a unique pathway in the County of Hawai’i for the public to suggest properties for
Fee Simple or Conservation Easement acquisition thru the FUND. The FUND also protects,
preserve, and hold in perpetuity native and cultural significance, with rights to access and
easement in open spaces.
During the year, the PONC Commission reviewed 27 Suggestion Forms and eight Stewardship
Grant Requests. Both submittals reflect growing public interest and their involvement in this
program. The Commission diligently refined the Suggestion Form in order to make submitted
materials concise for evaluation and scoring, as well as user friendly.
The Covid19 pandemic safety measures practiced by the citizens of the Big Island during this
past year have helped the PONC commissioners to develop new skills in conducting virtual
meetings and in accomplishing successful site visits. Our commission Secretary, Maxine Cutler
has aptly facilitated all of our PONC meetings to run smoothly and ensured public testimony
was available and convenient for all participants.
There have been requests to make information acquired during ad hoc site visits, including
photos, more easily available to interested parties. An ad hoc committee was assigned to look
at options to post the information, both from the current year’s visits and historical site visits.
Hawai’i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.
The PONC commissioners are comfortable with the integrity of the prioritized list which is
presented to you each year. We recognize that even though each commissioner is from a
different district, and has diverse educational and varied cultural backgrounds, our scoring
follows a distinct harmonious pattern assuring us that we are all on the same page.
We are pleased with the number of recent acquisitions completed by the County and know that
the Co purchases will bless the lives of Hawai i residents and visitors for many years to
come.
We commend you as the first Mayor to attend one of our meetings, and in taking a direct
interest in the PONC commission and also in insuring that we have quickly filled our
commissioner vacancies.
We fully understand your desire to have all pertinent information available to accomplish the
prudent acquisitions of properties each year. We understand that each year’s annual report
only ranks properties evaluated during that particular annual cycle and does not provide the
information necessary for an equitable comparison to all properties still available from previous
years. We have formed a permitted interaction group to address request to help you in
evaluating all properties, present and historic.
Finally, due to the recent passage of Bill 45 which authorizes the Department of Finance
authority of the Preservation Maintenance Fund and Stewardship Grant Progam, we have
formed an permitted interaction group assist in making recommendations to improve the
Stewardship Grant Applications and process.
The work of our Commission was possible with the support of our County staff. We are
tremendously thankful for the excellent work of Commission Secretary, Maxine Cutler; Property
Manager, Hamana Ventura; Deputy Corporation Counsel John Mukai (March 2021) and his
replacement, Deputy Corporation Counsel Jean Campbell.
Again, we are thankful for the support of the County of Hawaii. It is a pleasure working with
communities, non-profits, and other agencies to preserve Hawai’i’s cultural and natural
resources.
Aloha Nui Loa,
Dr. Wayne Frank, Chairman
Commissioners (District):
Deborah Chang (1); Vice Chair: Alex Kelepolo (2); Shelley Bee Allen Naungayan (3);
Chair, Dr. Wayne Frank (4); Debbie Ward (5); Rick Warshauer, (6);
Justin Lee (7); Anne Meheula (8); and Diane Kaneali’i (9).
Table of Contents
Preamble
Chairman’s Letter to Mayor Roth
Introduction ................................................................................................................i
Part 1: The Commission Report
2021 Prioritized List .......................................................................................... ii
Commission Members ...................................................................................... ii
Commission Meetings ...................................................................................... ii
Stewardship Grant ............................................................................................ iii
Commission and Community Recommendations and Concerns ...................... iii
Part 2: The Department of Finance Reports
....................................... iv
................................................................................ iv
....................... iv
Comprehensive List of Properties Submitted by the Public .............................. v
Suggestion Form .............................................................................................. v
................................................................................ v
Stewardship Grants .......................................................................................... v
Conclusion ........................................................................................................ v
Chapter 1. 2021 Prioritized List
1. Hapu’u to Kapanai’a Cultural Corridor (95.222%) .................................... 1.1
2. K ................................................................................. 1.3
3. Lamaloloa (91.222%) ............................................................................... 1.5
Halelua (89.556%) ................................................................................... 1.7
5. ............................................................................ 1.11
6. Honoipu (85.222%) ................................................................................ 1.13
7. Keawenui (80.889%) .............................................................................. 1.17
8. ............................................. 1.19
9. Kukuipahu – Ha’ena Corridor (77.222%) ............................................... 1.23
Table of Contents
10.Holualoa Community Forest (76.778%) .................................................1.25
11........................................1.27
12.Kaloko Cloud Forest (66.250%)...............................................................1.2
13.Keauhou Bay (65.222%).........................................................................1.31
14.pa’ikou Mill Beach Access (64.222%).………………………………....1.35
15. Wai’ohe (62.444%).....…………………………………………………….....1.37
16. Kakala O Kamoa Cultural Center (54.222%)...………………..……….....1.3
17. Kaloko Trail (52.667%) ....................................................... ….................1.41
Chapter 2. 2021 Forms
Suggestion Form and Assessment Criteria Form
Chapter 3. Process for Property Acquisition with Funds from the Public Access,
OpenSpace, and Natural Resources Preservation Funds
Chapter 4. Rules of Practice and Procedure of the Hawai‘i County’s PONC
Commission
Chapter 5. 2021 Biographies of the Commission
Chapter 6. Financial Reports
The Preservation Fund and The Maintenance Fund
Chapter 7. The Preservation Maintenance Fund
Highlights of the Maintenace Fund
What are the Maintenance Fund Expenditures
What the Maintainance Fund does Not Pay For
2022 Stewardship Grant Application
2022 Stewardship Grant Applicants
i
Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Program
2021 Annual Report to the Mayor
PART 1: THE COMMISSION REPORT.
The Department of Finance through its Public Access, Open Space and Natural Re-
sources Preservation Commission (PONC) is submitting this 2021 Annual Report to the Mayor
which includes the 2021 Prioritized List of Properties that was submitted to this Commission on
or before the deadline date of February 26, 2021, according to the Hawai‘i County Code (1985),
Edition 2005 Section 2-217.
Unlike other commissions in Hawai’i County, this Commission is an advisory only to the
Mayor and its sole responsibilities are: 1) responsible for annually submitting a prioritized list of
properties to be considered for acquisition to the Mayor and 2) review and make recommenda-
tions to the Department of Finance of the Stewardship Grant Applications.
Due to the Coronavirus Pandemic (COVID 19) and the Governor’s Proclamation regard-
ing gathering restrictions and social distancing, the Commission continued to hold public meet-
ings virtually live on YouTube. The meeting links are provided on the Boards and Commission
Calendar. The commission welcomed public testimony from the public and other government
agencies as written communications. Interest in the Commission s work is evident as the Com-
mission received over 110 communications and conducted over 50 virtual interviews.
In 2010, Hawai‘i County voters approved the first charter amendment created by Article
10, Section 10-15, the Preservation Fund that sets aside 2% of Hawai‘i County’s real property
taxes each year for the acquisition of these properties. Two years later in 2012, Hawai‘i County
voters approved the second charter creating an amendment, which can be found in Article 10,
Section 10-16, the Preservation Maintenance Fund which provides funding for maintaining prop-
erties acquired by the Preservation Fund and permitted usages. And, in 2021, The Hawai’i County
Council made charter amendments by changing the authority and administering of the Mainte-
nance Fund from the Department of Parks and Recreation to the Department of Finance. These
charter changes can be obtained from the Office of the County Clerks.
In developing the 2021 Prioritized List, the Commission considered properties submitted
on the 2021 Suggestion Forms, heard public testimony, reviewed communications, conducted
interviews, conducted site visits on selected suggestions, and scored accordingly to the Assess-
ment Criteria Form. The Commission developed its prioritized ranking order based upon reported
urgency, anticipated use, significance, the benefit to the public, special funding opportunities
available for acquisition, and a proposed management plan. This year’s total possible score based
on the total number was 900. In 2015, the Commission amended its rules to include only those
properties that scored 50% or higher on the prioritized list for consideration. In Chapter 1, there
are detailed descriptions, maps, and summaries of all 17 properties that scored 50% and above.
Nine nominations failed to meet the 50% or higher threshold and one withdrawal. The commission
submits to the Mayor the 2021 Prioritized List located on the next page.
ii
2021 Prioritized List:
Commission:
Member Council District Term ends on
E. Koohan Paik Mander (resigned)1 May 11, 2021
Deborah Chang (eligible for re-nomination) 1 Dec. 31, 2022
Alex Kelepolo, Vice-Chair 2 Dec. 31, 2024
Shellie Bee Allen Naungayan 3 Dec. 31, 2023
Dr. Wayne Frank, Chair 4 Dec. 31, 2022
Debbie J. Ward 5 Dec. 31, 2025
Rick Warshauer 6 Dec. 31, 2021
Justin B. Lee 7 Dec. 31, 2024
Anne “Kamuela” Meheula 8 Dec. 31, 2025
Diane Kanealii 9 Dec. 31, 2025
Commission Meetings:
For the calendar year 2021, commission meetings were held live on YouTube. The meet-
ings were held remotely during the pandemic under the Governor’s Proclamation regarding social
distancing and gathering restrictions. The meeting dates were:
January 11 March 8 May 10 July 12
July 26 “Special Session”September 13 November 8
Rank % Sugg. No.Name of Project District Tax Map Key No.(s) (3)
1 95.222 21-009 Hapu'u - Kapanai'a Corridor North Kohala 5-3-007:023, 026
2 94.222 21-024 Kaumaui: Perpetual Conservation Easement South Hilo 2-1-018:006, 007, 010
3 91.222 21-011 Lamaloloa North Kohala 5-7-001:020
4 89.556 21-008 Halelua North Kohala 5-3-007:010
5 86.444 21-013 Kaupalaoa North Kohala 5-8-001-010
6 85.222 21-010 Honoipu North Kohala 5-6-001:074
7 80.889 21-014 Keawenui North Kohala 5-8-001-009
8 77.556 21-021 Shoreline of ka'ili of Pepe'ekeo South Hilo 2-8-008:100
9 77.222 21-012 Kukuipahu - Haena Corridor North Kohala 5-6-001:013,016,018,042,049, and 089 to 107
10 76.778 21-002 North Kona 7-6-004:003 (incls. all cprs)
11 69.222 21-020 Shoreline of Kaupakuea Ahupua'a and Others South Hilo 2-8-008:003
12 66.250 21-019 North Kona 7-3-026:002, 006, 026
13 65.222 21-022 Keauhou Bay South Kona 7-8-012:035, 106
14 64.222 21-015 Papaikou Mill Beach Public Access South Hilo 2-7-004:118 (path), 2-7-027:065 (Mill Rd.)
15 62.444 21-004 Wai'ohe South Kona 8-7-001:002
16 54.222 21-018 Kakala O Kamoa North Kona 7-7-004:025
17 52.667 21-023 Kaloko Trail North Kona 7-3-025:001, 002, 003 (TBD Trail Easement)
18 48.222 21-007 Holualoa Royal Complex (Trail)North Kona 7-6-021:016, 017
19 47.222 21-006 Honu'apo Ka'u 9-5-014:029, 060
20 37.667 21-017 Kumukahi Puna 1-4-002:001, 017, 052, 065, 080, 081,082, 092
21 32.778 21-005 Top Waiakea Uka South Hilo 2-4-006:014
22 32.222 21-016 Kalani Honua Puna 1-2-009:028
23 31.556 21-027 See Attached Spreadsheet Puna Consiting of 20 parcels
24 26.778 21-003 Shirakawa Hotel Ka'u 9-5-001-025
25 23.667 21-026 Puna Consiting of 726 parcels
26 19.889 21-025 Kamakalepo Settlement Ka'u 9-4-001:009
27 Withdrawn 21-001 Waiohinu Cottage Ka'u 9-5-001:021
Kaloko Cloud Forest
iii
Stewardship Grants:
This past year, the Commission received eight Stewardship Grant Applications and pro-
cessed each application. This process includes review, interview with the applicants, hearing and
reading public testimony, and making funding recommendations to the Department of Finance.
Upon review of the applications, this commission expressed many concerns and reserva-
tions about how the grant application process is structured, the application itself, semi and annual
reports not submitted on time, grant funding cycle, and the delay of funding past applications filed
with the Department of Parks and Recreation. To address these issues, the commission formed a
permitted interaction group (PinG) in a public meeting held on November 8, 2021, and instructed
the PinG to report back to the commission next year.
Commission and Community Recommendations and Concerns:
The following is a listing of recommendations and concerns identified by the Commission for
the Stewardship Grant Requests:
New Stewardship Grant Fill-in Application with instructions.
Allow Stewardship Grants for more than 1-year term.
for allowable expenses
for maintenance using the Maintenance Fund.
The PONC encourages local non-profits in each district to apply for stewardship
grants. Especially for properties purchases with the FUND, in their districts.
Encourages County Staff to process the 2022 Stewardship Grant Application by
Next Steps:
COVID 19 updates regarding gathering restrictions and social distancing.
Schedule meetings either virtual or face to face due to the pandemic and
proclamations from the Mayor or Governor.
Sunshine Law Training is scheduled for January 2022.
Publicize and encourage the public to submit 2021 Suggestion Forms by January 31,
2022.
Post newly revised fill-in 2023 Stewardship Grant applications to the Department of
Finance by May 2022.
Submit Annual Report and Prioritized List to the Mayor for the year ending December
31, 2022.
Encourages everyone to be safe, wear masks, get vaccinated, and live well.
iv
PART 2: THE DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE REPORTS
Effective August 19, 2021, the Hawai’i County Council passed an ordinance amending
the Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Maintenance Fund. The
ordinance changes the administration, management, and adequate staff from the Department of
Parks and Recreation to the Department of Finance.
The same ordinance amends some of the Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Re-
sources Preservation Commission appointments, duties, and responsibilities. As noted below:
Appointments: “Not more than a bare majority of the members shall belong to the
same political party.
Duties regarding stewardship grants: “make recommendations to the director of fi-
nance…”
Responsibilities regarding stewardship grant performance reports, conduct inter-
views, etc.: “shall forward its findings to the director of finance.”
The department of Finance submits the following report to the Mayor.
The Acquisition Status Report:
In compliance with the Hawai i County Charter 10-15, the annual acquisition status re-
port consists of financial information on funding easements and land acquisitions, the total num-
ber of acreage, and partnering funds source. The FUND detail report is found in the Commis-
sion’s public folders.
During the 2021 calendar year, the County acquired Kapanai'a Bay Area, N. Kohala,
Kaunamano, Ka'u, and Wai'ele, Puna bringing the total number acreage to 8,408.80, consisting
of approx. 3,694.44 acres in Conservation Easements and 4,714.36 acres in fee simple, which
will remain in open space protection in perpetuity. The total amount of these acquisitions from
the FUND was $7,773,581.95 and partnering funding for $1,452,000, for a total of
$9,225,581.95.
Status of Properties on Past Prioritized Lists and Acquisitions:
Past prioritized lists were compiled in the Status of Properties on Past Prioritized Lists from
2006 to 2020. The commission recommends that properties from previous prioritized lists continue
to be pursued as far as possible unless: the County has already acquired the property; the property
no longer meets the criteria set by Hawai‘i County Charter, Article 10, Section 10-15, the property no
longer meets the criteria for inclusion; there are insufficient funds available for acquisition, or the
County Council has not passed a resolution that would allow the property to be acquired.
A special request was made by Mayor Roth to the commission 1) to review past properties
that made the prioritized lists with resolutions, 2) create a prioritized list of its finding, and 3) submit
a report to him. Upon request, the commission in November 2021, formed a permitted interaction
group and scheduled to submit their report in 2022. The report will be available to the public upon
request.
v
Comprehensive List of Properties Submitted by the Public:
The Comprehensive List of Properties is a sequential listing by the tax map key number in
each zone of all properties submitted by the public since 2006 to the Commission. This list com-
prises of properties that did not meet the threshold of 50% or higher score. The comprehensive
report can be found on the Commission’s public website.
Suggestion Form:
There were no new revisions to the Suggestion Form. The last revision was approved on
Oct. 14, 2020 (Chapter 2). The Department of Finance received 27 Suggestion Forms (nomina-
tions) from March 1, 2020, to February 26, 2021, the deadline period. The Commission findings
were: 17 nominations made the 2021 Prioritized List, one nomination was withdrawn, and nine
did not score higher than the 50% threshold. The commission’s finding is found in Chapter 1 of
this report.
Assessment Criteria Form:
The Commission made no updates to the Assessment Criteria Form. The last revision
was done on November 5, 2018 (Chapter 2). This Assessment Criteria Form was utilized to
assess the suggestion forms received during the aforementioned time.
Information is available to the public by request or online at the County of Hawai i public website
here: http://records.hawaiicounty.gov/weblink/Browse.aspx?dbid=1&startid=13770&cr=1.
Stewardship Grants:
In 2021, Hawai‘i County Council approved a charter amendment which can be found in the
Article 42, Section 2-214, the Public Access,
Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Maintenance Fund changing the authority and
management of the Manatiance Fund from the Department of Parks and Recreation to the
Department of Finance. Eligible properties for this fund to be acquired by the Preservation Fund.
This year the Department of Finance received nine applications, of which one was denied
for applying for an ineligible property (Chapter 7). The commission reviewed, investigated, and held
interviews with the applicants; and reported their findings in a recommendation to the Department
of Finance.
Conclusion:
It is important to thank the members of our Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Re-
sources Preservation Commission for their valuable service on this special and unique commis-
sion. has an incredibly rich cultural heritage, many historical sites, unique, pristine
native forests, rare and endangered species, and immaculate coastlines.
The Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Program provides
the means to protect and preserve in perpetuity these special places and provides connections
to the past and opportunities to learn about pivotal events that have shaped our county.
COUNTY OF HAWAI I
PUBLIC ACCESS, OPEN SPACE, AND NATURAL RESOURCES
PRESERVATION PROGRAM
2021 ANNUAL REPORT TO THE MAYOR
CHAPTER 1
2021 Prioritized List
SUMMARIES AND MAP
Report by
The PONC COMMISSION
Ending December 31, 2021
(95.222%)
TMK Nos.: (3) 5-2-007:023 and 026, consisting of approx. 42.5 acres of the
A’amakau and Halawa ahupua’a in the District of North Kohala, Hawai’i
personally owned lands that literally nurtured Kamehameha’s physical and spiritual strength),
cultural significance
to the people of Hawai’i.
The entire site is subject to high public recreational use; fishing, surfing, gathering
heiau,
Kamehameha I era and on early kula gulch settlements.
A public trail along the coastline and mauka-makai for both pedestrian and
access along pre-existing roads would open the area to low-impact use and facilitate
.
heiau, burial sites, and historical remnants of one of the earliest Hawaiian settlements;
The area is prominent in oral histories as the place that nurtured Kamehameha I in
physical and spiritual growth.
.
.
Gr
(94.222%)
TMK Nos. (3) 2-1-018:006, 007, and 010, consisting of approx. 3.02 acres of the
Waiakea
Kaumaui is unique for its’ natural resources; the loko wai (fresh water ponds) and anchialine
ponds which contains many endemic species. Purchase of a Conservation Easement (CE) will
cultural benefits and a sense of place for the community.
Preservation, restoration and revitalization of loko wai and anchialine ponds.
ina-based learning space and volunteer opportunities to build community capacity,
share cultural values and develop sustainable practices for the future.
Strong support from the community, various organizations and agencies. Kamehameha
Hawai’i
commitment to the stewardship and care of Kaumaui.
participate in the PONC process.
-
(91.222)
TMK No. (3) 5-7-001:020 consisting of approx. 35.345 acres of the
Pao’o 1 and Lamaloloa ahupua’a in the District of North Kohala, Hawai’i
Current uses that will continue with a preservation purchase includes biking, hiking,
shoreline fishing, picnicking, and recreation.
Open Space for historical education, environmental, and research actives.
Hawaiian cultural practices and gathering.
Coastal recreation.
Purchase of the land would provide a continuous publicly-owned coastline from Akoni
Pule Hwy to the ocean for a lineal span of almost 4 miles of coastline between
Mahukona and Kaupalaoa.
This link in the corridor is studded with archaeological sites, including the Ala Loa and
has been relatively untouched by humans since the early 1900s except passively by the
people of Kohala who continue to use it as a valuable site for fishing and gathering.
The Hawaiian Hoary Bat and Hawaiian Monk Seal frequent the coast.
There is a presence of native vegetation: akulikuli, hinahina, ilima, naupaka, and
pauohiiaka.
The property is listed for sale on the open market.
Kohala Lihikai has agreed to work with the landowner in seeking additional resources to
assist in the purchase. The Hawaiian Islands Land Trust has offered assistance.
Many community groups have offered assistance in managing Lamaloloa: North Kohala
Community Access Group, Kohala Lihikai, Kohala Senior Athletic Association, Kohala
National Guard Alumni, Malama Kohala Kahakai, Maika’i Kamakani O Kohala, Kohala
Historic and Preservation Group, Ka Makani O Kohala Ohana, and Malama Na
Washington Pana O Kohala.
o
o
o
o
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PRIORITY #5: KAUPALAOA
Anticipated Use
Significance
Habitat for several endangered (listed) species: the Hawaiian Hoary Bat (Ope’ape’a), the
Hawaiian Monk Seal.
Preservation would provide a buffer for an uninterrupted flow of significant groundwater
into the ocean.
The archeological sites indicate larger meeting locations for the coast, connecting major
trails to the Kohala field system.
This is part of the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail and an important link in the
protection of coastal properties as requested by the Community Development Plan of
the district.
Kohala Lihikai, Hawaiian Islands Land Trust and the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail
have met with a representative of the owner, who expressed interest in a preservation
sale.
(Scoring: 85.222%)
TMK No (3) 5-6-001:074, consisting of approx. 17.547 acres of the
Honoipu and `Upolu ahupua’a in the District of North Kohala, Hawai`i
View of Honoipu Bay taken
from the top of Paliakamoa.
(Photo courtesy of Keith
Wallis)
View of Paliakamoa, the
cliff that inspired the well-
known song of the same
name, composed by Ellen
Kalaukoa Naipo.
(Photo courtesy of Keith
Wallis)
Honoipu Bay is known for its calm seas,
and a favored canoe staging and landing site in ancient times up to the present. It was an
important harbor during the early days of Kohala’s sugar plantations until abandoned in 1912
when Mahukona Harbor and its convenient railroad became the primary shipping port. Honoipu
has been (and continues to be) a favorite fishing, hiking, canoeing, boating, and surfing spot for
generations of island residents.
Public acquisition of this property will:
Assure that the public’s use of the Old Coast Guard Road to reach the shoreline parking
lot and the start of the will remain open in perpetuity. Currently,
the Old Coast Guard Road and shoreline parking lot are privately owned on the subject
property, and public access is at the discretion of the private landowner.
Ensure that the historical and cultural significance of the area can be protected,
experienced, and shared by all, including protection of at least two historic shipwrecks in
the bay, and the monument to the first Puerto Rican immigrants to land at Honoipu in
1901.
Help to protect the pristine water of the bay and foster the natural conditions that attract
the endangered Hawaiian Monk Seal to the bay.
Preserve the area’s spectacular natural beauty and views by protecting open space and
promoting study of the area’s marine resources.
Permanent protection of the public access to Honoipu Bay that has been enjoyed by
many generations in Kohala would be achieved through this acquisition and is widely
supported by the community.
The 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Kohala Lihikai (consisting of community groups:
Kahakai, Maika`i Kamakani `O Kohala, Ka Makani `O Kohala `Ohana, and
Wahi Pana `O Kohala), the Hawaiian Islands Land Trust (d.b.a., Hawai`i Land Trust),
Moku `O Keawe Land Conservancy, and the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail have
expressed support for the acquisition. Kohala Lihikai, the North Kohala Community
Access Group, the Hawaiian Islands Land Trust (HILT), and the Ala Kahakai National
Historic Trail (NHT) are interested in participating in stewardship of the lands.
The landowners are proceeding with repairs and upgrades to existing residential
structures on the property. They are aware of the community’s interests in securing
permanent public access to the bay
Representatives of the landowner have met with Kohala groups and are open to further
dialogue.
HILT is a potential funding partner.
Although generations of Kohala people have been using the Old Coast Guard Road to
get all the way to the coast, the road is not a public road when it enters the subject
property. Thus, there is no legal public access easement to ensure that the shoreline
access remains open.
Acquisition could take the form of a conservation easement, fee-simple, or both.
Strong community support for the acquisition has
been consistent and sustained over more than the
last 10 years.
Landowner’s receptivity to either
fee-simple or easement acquisition
is unknown.
trail programs are invested in continued public access
in this area. There is good potential for matching
federal, state, county, and private funding for
acquisition and management.
No management plan has yet been
proposed.
This page is intentionally left blank.
(80.889%)
TMK No (3) 5-8-001:009, consisting of approx. 166.046 acres of the
Kehena 2 ahupua’a in the District of North Kohala, Hawai’i
Keawenui has been used continually for fishing, gathering, camping and hiking. This shoreline
is a series of pristine coves and small bays. Everywhere one looks are archaeological remains,
fragments of the rich cultural history of Kehena.
Public access for hiking, fishing, picnicking, and recreation
Cultural education and gathering
Preservation of cultural and natural resources
Preservation of ocean front property for public use
Many groups are interested in helping acquire and manage Keawenui: North Kohala
Community Access Group, Kohala Lihikai, the Ala Kahakai National Trails System, the
Ala Kahakai Trail Association, Kohala Senior Athletic Association, Kohala National
Guard Alumni, Malama Koha
Kohala.
There is a sense of urgancy since this suggestion has been made for the past 10 years.
Keawenui is an important piece to the entire vission of protecting the North Kohala
Coastline as outlined in the North Kohala Community Development Plan.
The sellers have unclear intentions and have kept it locked to public access.
Current market values, low inventory and aggressive buyers also add to the urgency.
North Kohala Community Development Plan
Lands to the North and South are protected
No known weaknessess at this time
(77.556%)
TMK No (3) 2-8-008:100, consisting of approx. 38.25 acres in the `ili of Pepe`ekeo in the
ahupua’a of Makahanaloa, District of South Hilo, Hawai`i
Ka `Ili o Pepe`ekeo is an oceanfront property
along the cliffs of Pepe`ekeo with two
streams running through it and abundant
fishing resources from ancient times,
continuing through the sugar plantation era,
up to the present. Public access to this once-
open coastline has been chronically blocked,
despite shoreline public access easements
that were required by the County when the
lands received subdivision approval.
Assure that shoreline public access for fishing, hiking, scenic enjoyment, and education
will continue uninterrupted for future generations.
Help to protect and restore the living relationship between people and the ocean by
enabling the sharing of traditional knowledge of fishing techniques and the area’s history
and legends
Demonstrate a model of an East Hawai`i ahupua`a in which a sustainable community
monitors its resources and uses them to feed the people that live there.
Enable community-
streams, important freshwater sources for the Hilo Bay fishery, and vegetative
management to limit coastal erosion and protect water quality.
Enable restoration of the hala groves, once abundant along the coastal cliffs, and the
kukui trees along the storied pali of Kukuilaumania (“the smooth spread of kukui”) and
from which the multitudes bid farewell to Joseph
Kingdom of Hawai`i's legislature.
The Makahanaloa Fishing Association (MFA, formerly the Pepe`ekeo Fishing Access
Committee) is a community-based 501(c)(3) organization willing to partner and
collaborate to help manage and maintain the property, including actively applying for
grant funding. The Pepe`ekeo Community Development Corporation (PCDC, formerly
the Pepe`ekeo Community Association) is also willing to collaborate and potentially
provide some funding assistance.
MFA has submitted a plan that proposes to steward this property in close collaboration
with the PCDC, County of Hawai`i, and surrounding neighbors. The plan includes
working with the community to develop a community-based vision and scope of work,
and management of the property to protect and monitor water quality, incorporate
vegetative buffer zones to limit erosion, identify and improve the safety of the best
locations for access, restore and study native plant and animal habitats, integrate
education into all activities, and more.
The manager of the subject property has submitted a letter “strongly supporting” the
nomination of the property by the MFA. The owner has agreed to negotiate with the
County of Hawai`i in good faith.
The MFA is willing to partner and collaborate to help manage and maintain the property.
They have recently been awarded grants to support their activities in this area and
continue to apply for more grants. The PCDC is committed to the acquisition and
management effort.
Although three pedestrian, two vehicular, and three parking easements intended to
facilitate shoreline public access to portions of the subject property were incorporated
into the subdivision approval by the County of Hawai`i, public access is frequently
blocked and discouraged by unmaintained thickets of tall brush, piles of tree cuttings,
locked gates, and absent, misleading, or unauthorized “Keep Out” signage.
Fee-simple acquisition is suggested.
Broad community interest and support exists,
including commitments from MFA, PCDC,
and local residents.
No written comments, pro or con, have been
received from adjacent landowners.
is willing to work with the County. Time is of the essence. Property is for sale.
MFA is willing to steward the property, has
already received grant awards, and is actively
applying for more grants.
No matching funds have yet been identified
to assist with acquisition cost, although
fundraising is planned by MFA.
A detailed Management Plan with clear
objectives has been proposed by MFA.
This page is intentionally left blank.
(77.222%)
TMK Nos. (3) 5-6-001:013, 016, 018, 042, 049, and 089 to 107, consisting of
approx. 1,456.25 acres of Ha`ena, Awalua, and Kukuipahu ahupua`a
in the District of North Kohala, Hawai’i
Kukuipahu-Ha`ena lands are a critical part of the scenic open entrance to Kohala, replete with
700 years of pre-contact and historic sites instrumental in the rise of Kamehameha the Great,
due to the managed agricultural and coastal fishing resources and enjoyed by generations of
community members.
Public access for fishing, traditional gathering, hiking, picnicking
Excellent example of the Kohala Field System that fed a large population sustainably.
Unstudied intact cultural and historic sites, canoe sheds, village structures, agricultural
sites, coastal wells and shrines are rich resources to be investigated.
Provides an important buffer between residential development and the ocean, protecting
reefs and aquatic resources, and runoff from development can affect near-shore
ecosystems.
Provides a refuge for the area’s endangered plants and animals, preserves a large
kiawe forest, protects near shore resources.
Strong community support for acquisition, and N Kohala Community Development Plan
calls for purchase and protection from development
Several community organizations have stepped up for long-term maintenance
Ownership by Parker Ranch after 2017 foreclosure, and future development plans are
unknown.
Community has discussed County purchase with owner.
Kohala Lihikai, Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail and Hawaiian Island Land Trust are
willing to assist in the leveraging purchase.
Fee simple is anticipated
Would extend 15 miles of contiguous coastal corridor already protected
Heavily forested inland, trails and coastal access
Endangered Hoary Bat, Hawaiian Monk Seal, endemic plant species
Filtration of water entering coastline protects fish and coastal gathering
No known weaknesses at this time
(76.778%)
TMK No (3) 7-6-004:003 (including all CPRs), consisting of approx. 2.488 acres
of the H 1&2 ahupua’a in the District of North Kona, Hawai’i
A safe educational walking path from
provide access and benefit families, residents and visitors alike. There are no alternative
dangerous for walking.
Public access through
. The applicant would also like to see this property used as an outdoor
classroom and reforestation reparian site.
Property is located in the cent
exist on property that were once used in partner with agriculture systems to slow
and channel water. This parcel was once part of the parcel makai (westward)
which is still the home of the Kona Koyasan Daishiji Mission established in 1925.
Preservation of this parcel to protect the riparian and watershed area which
contributes to protection of the aquifer recharge and coastal environment
Property is a prime location for appropriate biocultural agricultural or forest
restoration that preserves and enhances the riparian functions.. Property also
serves as a buffer from the busy Mamalahoa Highway traffic.
Enourmous amount of community support
will take the lead in grant writing, program creation
and implementation will be the
lead organization for maintenance and The Kona Koyasan Daishiji Mission will
work together with all.
There is a sense of urgency because of the lack of inventory on the market, the
-of-state buyers paying way above
market value.
Land owner is a willing seller.
Many opportunities have been investigated and possible, however there are no
active funding partners at this time.
three adjoining properties.
Landowner becoming impatient
Large impact for a smaller piece of property
(69.222%)
TMK No. (3) 2-8-008:003 consisting of approx. 55.26 acres of the
Makahanaloa, Kahua, Makea, and Kaupakuea ahupua’a
in the District of South Hilo, Hawai’i.
A buffer between residential development and coastal resources
Traditional Hawaiian access to the shoreline continued to be maintained for neighbors
Access to coastal access from Hilo to Waipio
Recreational practices of fishing, diving, hiking, picnicking, cultural appreciation, and
family gathering
This long narrow parcel cannot be developed
It connects platted access routes to a designated coastal trail and shoreline area.
Huge public recognition of and appreciation for the recreational and cultural
A mile and a half coastline and of overall rarity of access.
Retains elements and memories of old Hawaiian
A willing seller
Support for the Makahanaloa Fishing Association
High risk of being developed or sold
The Makahanaloa Fishing Association, a 501c3 group, has been seeking grants and
cooperation with other groups and plans to continue doing so as it manages the land.
yearly association due of $750, which the Makahanaloa Fishing Association is prepared
to absorb.
While the property is encumbered by public pedestrian easements P-1, P-2, P-11, and
P-18; issues being P-1 is overgrown, P-11 is blocked, and P-18 has illegal access.
These issues may be resolved or mitigated during the negotiation period.
(66.250%)
TMK No. (3) 7-3-26:002,006, and 026, consisting of approx. 41.1335 acres of Kaloka ahupua’a
in the District of North Kona, Hawai’i
A beautiful piece of property with a majority of the land being covered by a native wet forest.
Access is fairly easy and could be used as a classroom to teach as tour groups are
already established
Historically a very important for its watershed, now more than ever, very susceptible to
real estate development as open land becomes harder to find.
Watershed is of the biggest values of this land; however, its size is its down fall as there
is so much new development going on around parcel.
With most of the land still covered in Native Wet Forest protection is needed.
On-going guided walking tours.
KALOKO CLOUD FOREST
Community Support is large as there are established groups coming onto property already.
The Moku O Keawe Land Conservation would hold the easement and manage parcel.
With the amount of new development is the Kaloko subdivision the urgency is very high.
willing seller
Applicant has not seek other funding partners
Conservation Easement
Presently a Cloud Forest Sanctuary
Protection of endangered species
Protection of existing watershed
Pristine largest native forest
All three lots part of the Kaloko Subdivision
Large presence of invasive species plants and
Non-native plants
(65.222%)
TMK No. (3) 7-8-012:035 amd 106, consisting of approx. 26,390 sq. ft. of the
Keahou 1&2 ahupua’a in the District of North Kona, Hawai‘i
Fronting the sparkling turquoise waters of Keauhou Bay, this is the last available parcel
once owned by Kamehameha Nui. A pristine property of unparalleled beauty, this site
contains a seawall and a ramp leading to the bay, which will provide easy access for all
recreational activities. A jewel of a parcel, if purchased by PONC, it could continue to
enrich the lives of the public for many years to come.
Public Outdoor Recreation: The site is potentially subject to high public
recreational use. The property’s seawall and ramp provide easy access to old and
young for swimming, fishing, kayaking, boogie boarding and a host of water
activities.
Historic and Cultural Importance: This beautiful property was presented by King
Kamehameha to Kalanianoano Kaleinoanoa and his heirs; they kept the property
in the family for over two hundred years until it was sold to the present owners.
The unspoiled property is only a few feet away from the royal crypt of Chief
Kanehoa, the son of the original recipient of the land, and the land is also within a
very short walking distance of the historic rock (now a monument) where the
stillborn King Kamehameha III was prayed over by Kapihe until the infant king
moved and cried.
Protection of Natural Resources: By purchasing this property, the County of
Hawai‘i will protect and preserve from exploitation and damage this historically
culturally important site and the surrounding bay with its marine life.
Protection of . . . Beaches, Coastal Areas, and Natural Beauty: An admittedly small
but precious plot of land, the Keauhou property represents the last of King
Kamehameha’s legacy for his people. The parcel literally and figuratively
symbolizes the natural beauty of Keauhou Bay, its coastline teeming with fish, and
its fertile and verdant land. These were the gifts that Kamehameha intended to be
given to his people—past, present, and future. Upon his deathbed, Kamehameha’s
last words were: “E oni wale no ‘oukou i ku’u pono ‘a’ole e pau” (“Endless is the
good that I have given you to enjoy”). By purchasing this property for the County
of Hawai’i, this land will be protected and stewarded for the people in perpetuity,
as Kamehameha desired it would be.
Numerous community members have written letters to the PONC Commission to
support the purchase of the Keauhou property. Some writers are lineal
descendants of the original owners to whom Kamehameha Nui awarded the
property. Other writers are local residents who feel a great affinity to the property
because of its beauty and cultural history. Still other writers are those who wish to
assist in the maintenance of this property.
Mr. Edward Rapoza, one of four present owners, has already spoken to a number
of Keauhou Bay stake holders and has assisted them in forming a “Keauhou Bay
Kuleana” to maintain the property. He has further demonstrated his support and
commitment to the community group by pledging to donate an initial funding to
“assist the County in future management should the parcels become part of the
open space program.” Community letters received from Mr. Rapoza and from
some of the stake holders verify that the group is organized and is determined to
care for the property.
Urgency: The property has already been cleaned and prepared for sale. In
addition, both water lines and electrical lines have been installed to potentially
build two homes (one on each property). Mr. Rapoza has already stated clearly
that he and the three other owners would like PONC to purchase this property for
the people of the Big Island, but if PONC chooses to forego the purchase, he and
the owners will sell the property on the open market. This will be PONC’s only
opportunity to purchase this special property, as it is the only remaining lot on the
bay that can be sold. All other lots are owned by Kamehameha Schools or by
private owners who have already built homes on their property and do not wish to
sell.
The four owners are all willing sellers but agree that if PONC does not purchase
the land, they intend to sell it on the open market.
The owners have not sought any other funding partners.
There are no easement issues.
The owners request a fee simple purchase.
Rare and Valuable Property: This is the
last undeveloped property for sale on
Keauhou Bay.
A Management Plan for the property is still
being developed by the volunteer group
(Keauhou Bay Kuleana).
Historical/Cultural Ties: King
Kamehameha I awarded this land to Chief
Kanehoa’s parents, Kalanianoano
Kaleinoanoa and his wife, Kamehaiku.
The land remained in pristine condition for
over two hundred years and was sold to a
hui of the four current owners.
While the land is beautiful,
historically/culturally important, and easily
accessible, the parcel is small at 26,390
square feet.
Historical/Cultural Ties: Crypt of Chief
Kanehoa is located within a few feet of the
property. The property is a very short
walking distance to the historic rock (now
a monument) where Kapihe prayed over
and revived the stillborn Kauikeaouli (King
Kamehameha III).
The ramp and seawall have been inspected
and found to be foundationally secure. This is
a weakness because it makes the property
more attractive to potential buyers should
PONC forego the purchase.
Excellent Recreational Activities: The
ramp and seawall provide access to
swimming, fishing, kayaking, boogie
boarding, and a host of other water
recreational activities.
During testimony on July 12, 2021, PONC
Commissioner Deborah Chang stated that
both Kamehameha Schools and Hawai’i
County claim ownership of the access road
that leads to the property.
Access Road to the Property: There is a
nearby parking area and an access road
to the property.
(64.222%)
TMK No (3) 2-7-004:118 (path), 2-7-027:065 (Mill Rd.) , consisting of approx. 1.79 acres
of the and Paihaaloa ahupua a in the District of i.
-shore
.
C
in place
Beach access for 1300 residents
(62.444%)
TMK No. (3) 8-7-001:002 consisting of approx. 220 acres of the
Kaohe
Watershed protection, as the 220 acres is located between two parcels of State
Conservation Land in the South Kona Forest Reserve.
Preservation of habitat for endemic and endangered species.
Recreation for hikers with great natural beauty
Educational opportunities to demonstrate unique environmental and natural resources.
One of the best, intact stands of healthy, vibrant, old growth Ohi’a in the State, some of
the 80 inch trees are estimated to be 600 to 800 years old.
Is the habitat of two endangered species, the Hawaiian Hawk and the Hawaiian Hoary
Bat
Native habitat for numerous endemic bird and plant species
PRIORITY ONE watershed area designation by the State of Hawaii DLNR
The old growth Ohia trees feed the watershed which is considered to be interconnected
with offshore waters and fishery in South Kona
Next to the South Kona Forest Reserve property
A non-profit has been selected to assist in future management and maintenance of the
property.
Property is for sale and the owner has offered to contribute Five Thousand Dollars for
future management
RE/MAX will contribute Five Thousand dollars for future maintenance and property
management
There are no encumbrances, covenants, association fees or property easements
Access is available from Mamalahoa Highway through an existing easement
(54.222%)
TMK No. (3) 7-7-004:025, consisting of approx. .78 acre of the
Holualoa 3rd ahupua a in the District of North Kona, Hawai i
This oceanfront parcel is located on the north
“Lyman’s” a popular surfing spot. Situated on the property and built in the 1950’s is the historic
Lyman House, a small guest cottage and stone swimming pool.
a cultural
educational center/museum.
Coastal area used for subsistence fishing, shoreline gathering, swimming, surfing, etc.
Betty C. Kanuha Foundation, a 501(c)(3) that has been supporting literacy and cultural
programs for 20 years, has expressed interest in stewardship and maintenance if
acquired by the County.
National Register of Historic Places: Holualoa 4 Archaeological District (State Site No.
50-10-37-23, 661)
The property is currently listed for sale and owner is willing to participate in the PONC
process
Haun and Associates AIS dated October 2010 done
Repair and restoration to existing structures will be costly.
PRIORITY #17: KALOKO TRAIL
(52.667 )
TMK Nos. (3) 7-3-025:001, 002, and 003, acreage is not available, of the
Kaloko ahupua’a in the District of
A heavily used hiking trail by the local community as well as the island guests to access the
Honua’ula Forest Reserve.
Anticipated Use
Primary use of trail is to access the forest reserve and is wide and easy accessible to the
public.
For over 2 decades the trail has been used by the public to access the land locked
public lands.
Significance and Management
With generations of families that use the trail the community support is large and willing
to volunteer to keep trail open.
Peoples Advocacy Trails Hawaii and Na Ala Hele are currently maintaining the trail and
would continue on the new proposed trail.
With the Kaloko subdivision growing in popularity and development a certainty it is of
upmost urgency.
Huge community support.
Need to educate the public of private property and trespassing issues
Protection of endangered species
No funding partners at this time
Either Conservation Easement or Fee simple acquisition
Three landowners are unwilling sellers
The residents complained of trash, no parking, and trespassing issues by users
of the trail
No trespassing signs posted by landowners
COUNTY OF HAWAI I
PUBLIC ACCESS, OPEN SPACE, AND NATURAL RESOURCES
PRESERVATION PROGRAM
2021 ANNUAL REPORT TO THE MAYOR
CHAPTER 2
2021 Forms
Suggestion and Assessment Criteria
Report by
The PONC Commission
Ending December 31, 2021
Hawai’i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer
Page 1 of 3
COUNTY OF HAWAI‘I
Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resource Preservation Commission
SUGGESTION FORM
For Lands and/or Property Entitlements for Acquisition
The Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Commission is accepting suggestions for sites or projects to improve upon public access, open space, and natural resources preservation, pursuant to Chapter 2,
Article 42, of the Hawai‘i County Code. Acceptable Suggestions Form, applicants are required to use the most
current suggestion Form. Please use this form to tell the Commission about a place or access you would like to see protected. The Commission welcomes re-submission of properties previously submitted where County Council
has not taken action. Please use one form per suggestion and limit total application size including attachments to
less than 10 MB (megabytes) or 20 pages maximum (include photos, maps, and figures). Ranking of the suggestion is based on the completeness of this application and how it meets the Criteria, not solely on Public Opinion.
Name of Site or Project: Click or tap here to enter text.
Ahupua’a, Council District, and Location within: Click or tap here to enter text.
Tax Map Key (TMK) Number(s): Click or tap here to enter text. Land Area (Acreage): Click or tap here to enter text.
Landowner(s): Click or tap here to enter text. Recommended contact information for site visits. See question # 7.
Contact Information: Email Click or tap here to enter text. Phone No.: Click or tap here to enter text.
Property is either: fee simple purchase request easement request or both
Contact Name: Click or tap here to enter text.
Mailing Address: Click or tap here to enter text.
Phone/Fax: Click or tap here to enter text. Email: Click or tap here to enter text.
Purpose of suggested site (for public acquisition) or project (please check those that apply)
Public outdoor recreation and education, in-
cluding access to beaches & mountains
Preservation of forests, including beaches, coastal ar-
eas, natural beauty, & agricultural lands
Preservation of historic of culturally important
land areas and sites
Protection of watershed lands to preserve water qual-
ity and water supply
Protection of natural resources, including buffer
zones
Attachment A: Provide a Tax Map Key Plat map and a property map with the property boundaries and/or proposed
access outlined or highlighted. To confirm the council district (map on page 3) by contacting the County Clerk’s Office at: (808) 961-8277 (URL) https://www.hawaiicounty.gov/our-county/legislative/office-of-the-county-clerk/elections-information. (Optional: include regional maps with nearby protected/public areas).
Attachment B: Provide a clear statement detailing how public acquisition would fulfill one or more of the above pur-poses. Also, explain the intent, long-term vision, and/or strategy of this proposed acquisition or project.
Attachment C: Provide, if available, additional community endorsements for this proposed acquisition or project through letters of support (simply reference any additional documents). In addition, please identify community or-ganizations, land trusts, or individuals that could be contacted for further information about this proposed acquisi-tion or project.
Attachment D: Provide verification of community organizations, land trusts, or individuals, who are willing to be part of the long-term management /maintenance of this property.
DEADLINE TO FILE BY JANUARY 31, 2022
Reserved for office use:
Revised - 07-12-2021
Hawai’i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer
Page 2 of 3
Attachment E: Provide summaries or abstracts instead of full reports. Include within the summary, citations or links
to reference the documentation related to the suggested site or project. This would assist the Commission in their assessments. Do not send original documents or pictures, as they will not be returned.
Please answer the following questions in the attachments above to assist the commissioners in their scoring.
1)How would the general public benefit from this proposed acquisition or project?
2)Describe any significant historic, cultural, or natural resources on the property (please be as specific
as possible and include only a summary of documentation. (i.e., archaeological reports, etc.)
3)Describe and include maps showing any significant relationship to larger historical, cultural, and/or
natural landscape. (i.e. corridor, agricultural field systems, conservation strategy, etc.)
4)Describe level of urgency (i.e., is property currently on the market/for how long, has an active re-
zoning/subdivision application been filed, high public use, etc.)
5)Describe any special opportunities for acquisition that presently exist. (Special funding available, etc.)
6)Has partnering with other government agencies, private or nonprofit entities to leverage resources
(funding, grants, managing partnerships) been identified? Yes No Unknown If yes, please
describe.
7)Is/Are the landowner(s) aware of this suggestion and willing to participate? Yes No
If yes, as required, please have the landowner submit an email or letter for Ad Hoc Site Visit permis-
sion to the Commission Secretary.
8)Is/Are the property(s) or property easement(s) available for acquisition? Yes No
Unknown. If yes, please describe.
9)Are there any covenants, encumbrances, restrictions (i.e., association or maintenance), or ease-
ments? If yes, please describe.
10)Describe any known hazards on the property (i.e., flooding, lava hazard zone, mudslides, etc.)
Please send completed forms to:
County of Hawai’i
Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Commission
25 Aupuni Street, Suite 1101
Hilo, Hawai‘i 96720 – 4252
For further information contact:Maxine Cutler at (808) 961-8069, Email:maxine.cutler@hawaiicounty.gov
For online information go to the County of Hawaii, Boards and Commission Public Website.
DEADLINE TO SUBMIT IS THE LAST WORKING DAY IN JANUARY BY 4:30 P.M.
Hawai’i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer
Page 3 of 3
COUNTY OF HAWAI I
PUBLIC ACCESS, OPEN SPACE, AND NATURAL RESOURCES
PRESERVATION PROGRAM
2021 ANNUAL REPORT TO THE MAYOR
CHAPTER 3
Process for Property Acquisition
from the Preservation Funds
Process for Property Acquisition with Funds from the Public Access,
Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Fund
For 2021, approximately $7.316 million was deposited into the Public Access, Open Space and
Natural Resources Preservation Fund (FUND) pursuant to Chapter 2, Article 42, Section 2-214 of the
Hawai‘i County Code, 1983, 2005 Edition and Article X, Section 10-15 of the Hawai‘i County Charter. These funds are 2% of all real property tax revenues, including penalties and interest collected by Hawai‘i County each year.
1. The public may submit suggestion forms to the Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources
Preservation Commission (PONC).PONC suggestion forms may be found on-line at:
https://records.hawaiicounty.gov/weblink/Browse.aspx?startid=13770&dbid=1&cr=1
and are due on or before the last business day of January each year. Suggestion forms received after this
date will be considered by the Commission the following year. The Commission reviews all suggestion
forms, including additional information submitted i.e. pictures, maps, testimony from stakeholders,
archaeological/cultural information, real estate listings, land surveys, etc. Public testimonies are welcomed
at PONC public meetings.
2. The Commission prioritizes a list of properties from the suggestion forms that were submitted for that
year and creates the Prioritized List of Properties. The LIST is submitted in the Annual Report to the
Mayor each year by December 31
st.Annual Reports to the Mayor may be found on-line at: https://
records.hawaiicounty.gov/weblink/Browse.aspx?startid=13770&dbid=1&cr=1
3. Once a property is ranked on the list, approved by Council, a member of the Hawai‘i County Council
may submit a resolution to authorize the Director of Finance to proceed with negotiations for
acquisition. Community members and the general public are welcome to advocate for this resolution.
Once the County Council approves a resolution to acquire the property, the Commission will no
longer consider the property for future prioritized lists.
4. The Department of Finance, Property Management Division (PMD) may or may not open negotiations
to purchase the property. Factors affecting this decision could be: if there is an un-willing seller, if there
are no community group willing to manage the property, no matching funds, and other properties that are
higher priorities for acquisition.
5. The County is more likely to acquire properties that have commitments for matching funds. Matching
funds maximize the purchasing power of the FUND. The best use of FUND monies is to be used for
dollar for dollar matching funds. The party who submitted the suggestion form will work with the PMD
and/or Council Member to seek matching funds. To date, matching funds have been obtained from U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service (USF&W), Recovery Lands Acquisition Program (for endangered species)
and the State of Hawai‘i, Legacy Land Conservation Program (LLCP). Sources for other matching
funds could possibly be obtained from Office of Hawaiian Affairs for cultural sites and from the Federal
Emergency Management Administration for flood plain or flood prone lands.
Additional Information:
Article X, Section 10-15 of the Hawai‘i County Charter stipulates what lands may be purchased with these
funds: (see graphic model on the next page)
Updated: Dec. 15, 2021 8.1
COUNTY OF HAWAI I
PUBLIC ACCESS, OPEN SPACE, AND NATURAL RESOURCES
PRESERVATION PROGRAM
2021 ANNUAL REPORT TO THE MAYOR
CHAPTER 4
Rules of Practice and Procedure
of the Hawai‘i County’s
PONC Commission
COUNTY OF HAWAI I
PUBLIC ACCESS, OPEN SPACE, AND NATURAL RESOURCES
PRESERVATION PROGRAM
2021 ANNUAL REPORT TO THE MAYOR
CHAPTER 5
2021 PONC COMMISSION
Report by
The PONC COMMISSION
Ending December 31, 2021
Public Access,Open Space and Natural
Resources Preservation Commission (PONC)
Commission Members/Biographies
TERM: -12/31/22
TERM: 1/1/- 12/31/
SHELLIE BEE ALLEN NAUNGAYAN TERM: 1/1/- 12/31/
TERM: 1/1/ - 12/31/
RICK WARSHAUER TERM: 1/1/17 - 12/31/21
DR. WAYNE FRANK TERM: 1/1/18 - 12/31/22
TERM: 1/1/- 12/31/2
TERM: 1/1/- 12/31/2
1/1/- 12/31/
COUNTY OF HAWAI I
PUBLIC ACCESS, OPEN SPACE, AND NATURAL RESOURCES
PRESERVATION PROGRAM
2021 ANNUAL REPORT TO THE MAYOR
CHAPTER 6
FINANCIAL REPORTS
The Preservation Fund
The Maintenance Fund
Report by
The Department of Finance
Ending December 31, 2021
COUNTY OF HAWAI I
PUBLIC ACCESS, OPEN SPACE, AND NATURAL RESOURCES
PRESERVATION PROGRAM
2021 ANNUAL REPORT TO THE MAYOR
CHAPTER 7
The Preservation Maintenance Fund
Stewardship Grant Application
Report by
The Department of Finance
Ending December 31, 2021
STEWARDSHIP GRANT APPLICATION
County of Hawai‘i
Department of Finance
Property Management Division
25 Aupuni Street, Suite 1101, Hilo, HI 96720
Telephone: (808) 961-8069
DEADLINETO FILE IS AUGUST 31, 2021, BY 4:30 PM
A. NAME AND ADDRESS OF ORGANIZATION:
Name
Address City State Zip Code
B. PERSON TO CONTACT:
Phone No: Mobile:
Email Address:
Are you available to attend a ZOOM interview on Sept. 13, 2021, between 9:00
am to 3:00 pm? Yes No
If yes, a zoom link will be sent to your email address with instructions.
If no, please assign someone from your organization to attend with knowledge
of the proposed projects, and budget costs and provide email address above.
C. PROJECT PERIOD: to
D. PROJECT NAME:
E. PROJECT LOCATION (TMKS):
F. PROJECT NAME:
OFFICIAL USE ONLY:
STU. 22-
Rcv’d:
Revised: 7/30/2021
Hawai‘i County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Provider.
Page 2 of 6
G. PROJECT COST:
Amount requested: $
Applicant share: $
Other resources: $
Total Project Cost: $
H. REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:
Non-profit (501(c)(3), IRS letter of determination
Copy of organization bylaws and mission statement
DCCA Certificate of Vendor Compliance
Letter of Authorized Signer for Organization
I. CERTIFICATION:
The applicant certifies that the information contained in this application is true
and correct to the best of his/her knowledge.
NAME OF AUTHORIZED OFFICIAL:
TITLE OF AUTHORIZED OFFICIAL:
SIGNED:
NOTES:
DATE:
1. Provide various maps illustrating your projects, especially for multiple parcels.
2. Provide a calendar of proposed projects (start date, completion, etc.)
3. Refer to H.C.C. Article 10, Section 10-16 (g); HRS 343; and other
State and Local Laws that may affect your proposed projects.
4. Review your request for completeness.
5. Attachments are acceptable
Should you have any questions, please contact: Maxine Cutler at Phone: (808) 961-
8069 or Email: Maxine.Cutler@hawaiicounty.gov
Hawai‘i County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Provider.
Page 3 of 6
J. PROPOSAL:(Detailed plan can be attached to application):
K. PROJECT DESCRIPTION: (You may need to submit attachments for
different types of projects. Make sure to include A to D in your attachments)
A. Location of Project:
B. Project TMK:
C. Number of Persons Who Will Benefit:
D. Project Description (Give a brief description of the work that will be
done (i.e., removal of invasive plants, planting, signage, etc. and list
individual costs in budget details) with the funds requested, including a
timeframe and activities to accomplish stated purpose. Additional pages
may be attached):
L. PERMITS/APPROVALS REQUIRED:
1. Environmental Assessments (EA’s):
If yes, explain why? If not needed, explain why?
BUSINESS PLAN
Hawai‘i County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Provider.
Page 4 of 6
2. Special Management Area (SMA) Permit:
If yes, explain why? If not needed, explain why?
3. Other:
M. MANAGEMENT/PRESERVATION PLANS REVIEWED: (Provide
list of Archaeological, Burial Treatment, Resource Management, Preservation,
and other such Plans. Give an explanation how each is incorporated in your
projects. Additional pages may be attached.)
Hawai‘i County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Provider.
Page 5 of 6
N. Budget Details:
PROJECT
Description
Amount
Requested
Applicant
Share
Other
Resources TOTAL
(Invasive Plants
Removal Project) Enter Enter Enter $Example
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
Total
$
$
$ $
Hawai‘i County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Provider.
Page 6 of 6
O. APPLICANT INFORMATION:
1.Brief history of the applicant organization. Include the date of
incorporation as a non-profit organization (use attachments where
appropriate).
2.Main source(s) of financial support:
3. Please at list at least three (3) prior projects successfully
completed: (Include location and sponsoring agent)
a.
b.
c.
4. Please initial below that the applicant understands the following
documents shall be required if awarded stewardship grant
funds:
_____ Certificate of insurance shall be required with County of Hawai‘i
named as additional insured. Provide proof.
_____
Organization shall provide the semi and annual report(s) which shall
include accomplishments, financial statements explaining
expenditures, projects in progress, community involvement, and
status of overall project.
_____
Organization shall immediately contact the Department of Finance,
Property Management Division upon dissolution of the organization
or changes in the organization that may affect the Stewardship Grant
Agreements.
_____
Organization maybe required to provide other documents as
requested with the County of Hawai‘i Department of Finance.
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