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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-03-11 Minutes APPROVED PUBLIC ACCESS, OPEN SPACE, AND NATURAL RESOURCES PRESERVATION COMMISSION MINUTES March 11, 2024 Public Meeting I. CALL TO ORDER: On March 11, 2024, the regular meeting of the Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Commission (PONC)was called to order at 10:02 a.m. by Chr. Kelepolo,who welcomed all in attendance and introduced the Commissioners of the Commission and PONC staff. Those that were present constituted a quorum. Present: Deborah Chang, CD-1 Alexandra "Alex" Kelepolo, Chairperson (CHR.) CD-2 Deborah J. Ward, Commissioner CD-5 Jodie Rosam, Vice Chair(V. CHR) CD-6 Justin Lee, Commissioner CD-7 (joined the meeting at 10:25 a.m.) La Crivello, Commissioner CD-8 Kamuela Plunkett, Commissioner CD-9 Absent: Amedeo Markoff, Commissioner CD-4(excused) Vacant: District 3 Support Staff: Jean Campbell, Deputy Corporation Counsel Representative (DCC) Hamana Ventura, Property Manager and acting Commission Secretary, Department of Finance II. STATEMENT(S) FROM THE PUBLIC: Chr. Kelepolo opened the floor for public testimony and explained that testimony may be made at the beginning of the meeting or immediately preceding the agenda item being opened for deliberation by the Commission. JOHN REPLOGLE spoke in favor of Sugg. 24-08. He stated that the perception was that the parcel had already been purchased however,that is not the case. The makai portion is an important piece according to the public. Suggested that County move to condemn the makai portion. There being no further testifiers, Chr. Kelepolo closed public testimony. Minutes of March 11, 2024 Page 1 III. NEW BUSINESS: 1. 2024 Suggestions: Review and interview the nominators. Chr. Kelepolo requested to move Sugg. 24-02 after Sugg. 24-05 so that she would only have to recuse herself once regarding Sugg. 24-02 and Sugg. 24-06.There was no opposition to this request by the Commission. Chr. Kelepolo asked if they could review Sugg. 24-10 out of order at the request of the suggestor. There was no opposition to this request by the Commission. (j) Sugg.24-10, Minuke Ole Corral Bull Pen,S. Kohala, Hawaii. TMK(3) 6-7-002:005 WENDY BOTELHO-CORTEZ, CEO of the Island of Hawai'i YMCA introduced herself and was available to answer questions. Cmr. Ward asked what was the urgency of the request as there is an existing 99 year lease. Ms. Botelho-Cortez replied that although there may be no real urgency, they were interested in being stewards of the land and having the land remain as part of the YMCA. Current maintenance is provided through volunteers. Cmr. Plunkett noted that this parcel does not fall within Waimea Trails. Cmr. Chang asked for clarification regarding information that continued development has impacted encroachments along the rock walls. Ms. Botelho-Cortez replied that the goal is to maintain the boundaries for the approximately 8 acres. PETE HENDRICKS, a volunteer of the Waimea Preservation Association provided additional comments regarding the care of the property over the past 25 years. (a) Sugg.24-01, Honalo Ahupua'a, N. Kona, Hawaii. TMK(3)7-9-005:008,009,039,&040 EDWARD RAPOZA and LORI MASON CURRAN were available to answer questions. Chr. Kelepolo asked if the owner would consider a partial sale. Mr. Rapoza indicated that the owner would be willing to assist with various potential options to purchase, and understands the County appraisal process.The intent is not to list the property for sale. Cmr. Chang asked about the number of fatalities and injuries reported at the "end of the world." Mr. Rapoza replied that he was not aware of any recent events. Cmr. Crivello asked about entities and partnerships as well as lineal descendants and families from the area. Mr. Rapoza stated that he provided support letters and had begun to reach out. He further stated that he would provide additional information as the process develops. Cmr. Plunkett asked about access easements. Mr. Rapoza stated that although Kamehameha Schools has installed a gate across the road, the public may request access to cross.The mauka parcel is bordered by the bypass,which provides public access, and Na Ala Hele supports trail access in the area as well. Cmr. Ward asked if the owner explored matching funds. Mr. Rapoza stated that the Trust recently decided to sell the property in December of last year. Due to time constraints, the focus was to assemble the application to PONC and then explore other partners such as OHA and TPL. Minutes of March 11, 2024 Page 2 (c) Sugg.24-03, Kaloko Residential Park, N. Kona, Hawaii.TMK(3)7-3-009:028(por.) JAMES AGENA and SIDNEY FUKE represented the owner and was present to answer questions. Chr. Kelepolo asked if the owner would be open to a Conservation Easement. Mr. Agena replied that a fee simple sale is preferred but would consider a CE. Cmr. Plunkett asked if the owner would consider putting the entire parcel into a CE to preserve the native dry land forests. Will a high capacity develpment go in next to this and defeat the intent of preserving this resource? He questioned what future protections will ensure that future developments will not encroach on resources that are trying to be protected. Mr.Agena replied that should this parcel go through the process, any future developments would be subject to multi layered approvals. He noted that the owner has carried the property for almost 10 years and paid more than $300,000 per year in taxes without generating income. The owner is willing to be flexible; having the dryland forest separated from present ownership and be taken over by stewardship that is more capable. Cmr. Crivello asked if the AIS performed in 2008 was for a portion of the parcel. Mr. Fuke replied that the AIS covered the entire parcel and that 11 sites were identified, of which 8 are found within the proposed submission. He proposed a potential hybrid situation that combines a CE and fee simple purchase. (d) Sugg.24-04, Kapalaoa, N. Kona, Hawaii. TMK: (3) 7-1-003:004,005,006,&011 LEHUA ALAPAI represented ohana who could not attend. She went on to state that Beth Robinson, Chad Wiggins of Hui Aloha Kiholo,Aric Arakaki and Rick Gmirkin from Ala Kahakai Trails and her ohana, started the process for the parcels and asked to schedule a future site visit. Cmr. Crivello asked her to explain the relationship between 'Anaeho'omalu and Kapalaoa and Ohana. Ms. Alapai stated that it is a "source of eha and sadness and grief and burden that my Ohana has carried throughout the generations because we love this place so much, and I've only really been able to go a handful of times to learn about the place. So when we originally used to live on the coastline,we had to move Mauka to show that we could be good paniolo when you're away, and to go to school and have jobs. So we had to move off the coastline. And so,you know, for the generations, we've had this disconnect between Mauka and Makai..." She went on to share the very many stories that have been passed down about the memories, fishing and the petroglyphs, iwi Kupuna, the trails,the houses, the hale out there, the water sources, and lots of traditional practices that have not been passed on to us, but that we're aware of. And so, it's a big deal. Further background information pertaining to the Ahupua'a was shared. Commissioners followed up with additional questions related to 'Anaeho'omalu Bay. Minutes of March 11, 2024 Page 3 (e) Sugg.24-05, Kawainui Makai,S. Hilo, Hawai'i.TMK(3) 2-7-011:001&(3)2-7-010:027 TAWN KEENEY spoke in support of Sugg. 24-05. He is the recently elected Chair of the Hamakua Community Development Plan Action Committee and spoke of the property features; that it was one of the very few pieces of property that was forested rather than residential. He went on to speak of the very wide and extensive estuary and two waterfalls that passes through the property, as far up as the old Mamalahoa Highway. He further went on to share that he inquired about the property and found out that the owner recently passed away, and that the property would be going up for sale. He and several others were allowed to explore the property and now that it's listed on the market, there is a sense of urgency. ROBERT NISHIMOTO spoke in support of Sugg. 24-05. He is a resident of Ninole and a Marine Biologist by trade, now retired from the State. His hope today is to impress upon the Commission why the purchase of these two parcels is so important and stand as one of the best estuaries he's seen in his life. It's a very critical habitat for all coastal fish and native species, very rare. Hopefully the silos between County and State can be joined with this purchase, as land is County and water is State. In closing, our mo'opuna will thank us for this purchase. KANOA WHITHINGTON spoke in support of Sugg. 24-05. He wanted to reiterate Bobby's remarks about the difficulty of preserving resources that have cross-jurisdictional issues and emphasize the significance of the property as a coastal resource. He also wanted to reiterate some testimony from Ed Johnson,who couldn't be here today. Ed visited the site first in 1985 which had public access, and today there is none. PHAETHON KEENEY spoke in support of Sugg. 24-05. She praised all these great projects here before the Commission today. This is her first time doing this, so wanted to clarify some of the things that were left out from their nomination.The listing might not have been active a week ago, and of course,just like the other nomination earlier,the mention of private beach is repeated in that listing multiple times. She noted that these resources are so critical to the community, and Ed Johnson's testimony actually notes that the sugar company would keep trails to places like this open, because they did recognize the necessity of use of the community to these critical places of fishing and subsistence, and how important the waterways are. She also clarified the trees on the parcel and that they did not have as much information on the large forestry operation of 50 acres of African and Honduras Mahogany,Teak, and Queensland Maple. They received from the builder this week, to put into the written section detailed information about the planting in 2000, towards the planting, and the number of trees.There's about 8,000 on the Hilo side for the parcel of those mixed trees, and about 7,000 on the Hamakua side. In our nomination of the trees, Alex Woodberry of Kamuela Hardwoods, mentioned that he would be willing to harvest and work with the Minutes of March 11, 2024 Page 4 County as he's done with different parcels around, in selectively harvesting, and managing, and milling, and bringing to market valuable timber. BLAKE MCNAUGHTON is the President of Makahanaloa Fishing Association, and Co-Chair of the Fishing and Access Committee for the Pepe'ekeo Community Development Corporation. He spoke in support of Sugg. 24-05 and is here representing community that couldn't be here today and the fishers who use this site. The upper reaches of the stream, you can go there at any time. They want to keep that generational connection. Cmr. Ward asked if they've been in contact with the owner to let them know that this is going to go on? If they are in support,would they be willing to pump the brakes on keeping any further offers on it? It's listed as two separate properties. Phaethon Keeney replied that she does know that the owners are not willing to pump the brakes.They are interested in maximizing their profit on this property which is why they're focused on highlighting its features to a larger market. They do want to sell both parcels together.The previous owner has passed away and now it is all together. So far there has been one expression of interest. Properties are listed for$8.25 million and the nearby Old Mill was about that much in 2022 and would be a comparable property in the area. Mr. McNaughton noted that the owner submitted a letter of support and is aware that they nominated to PONC. This property has been on the market before and didn't sell, so they will see what happens. A discussion ensued between commissioners, Ms. Keeney and Mr. McNaughton. Cmr. Chang disclosed that this property falls within her district and that she has been in communication with the group that's been putting the nomination together, although not really intimately working with them on it. (b) Sugg.24-02,Joseph Rock Arboretum, N. Kona, Hawai'i.TMK(3)7-4-008:057 Chr. Kelepolo disclosed that she is the Vice President of Moku o Keawe Land Conservancy (MOKU) and will be recusing herself from the discussion for Sugg. 24-02 and Sugg. 24-06 and V. Chr. Rosam will take over the meeting. DEBBIE HECHT is the President of MOKU and asked for support on behalf of Sugg. 24-02, a 37-acre parcel in Kailua-Kona that is owned by Jill Wagner which will be a public garden.Jill has a degree from UH in environmental biology and her life's work is restoring native Hawaiian ecosystems through seed banking and reforestation. She is committed to ensuring the survival of these species in her work and sharing her knowledge with others. She has been a consultant for decades, designing and restoring properties, and large-scale restoration projects and has called Hawaii her home for over 30 years. Minutes of March 11, 2024 Page 5 JILL WAGNER, spoke in support of Sugg. 24-02 and how she acquired this beautiful property with the plan to create an arboretum. Her intention is to create a garden that people can come to visit and learn about Hawaii's dry forest. The major portion of the garden is restoration of the dry forest. She hosts school children each month, and provide a learning experience, including taxonomy, collecting seeds, planting native plants. She plans to build a pavilion so groups can come and have a covered space which can also be used for events. She is President of the Chamber Orchestra of Kona, a community orchestra of musicians who play for the love of music and this could provide a venue where they can also rehearse. Cmr. Ward asked if the additional 10 acres is excluded completely. Ms. Wagner replied yes. Cmr. Ward asked if she could expand on that timber zone that's mentioned as it seems other varieties of plants will be growing there as well. Jill replied that she's been part of the Hawaiian forest industry for decades, and the timber zone is tropical arbor trees. There are non-invasive trees, like Mahogany, in Hawaii which are very important for doing land-based projects other than development. Her ultimate goal is for people to come and learn, and these tree species are popular for timber in other places as well as Hawai'i. She added that the dry forest is one of the most rarest eco-systems in the world;there's only less than 10% in Hawai'i, and it's very important. The property has no irrigation, it's all natural, and in three years, it's really thriving. V. Chr. Rosam asked, I know you're committed to native forests and native plants in the future, but I don't understand why in a group garden forest would you plant Australian and South American cactuses. Ms. Wagner replied that the way she learns about botany and taxonomy is very broad. She started the Hawai'i Island Seed Bank in 2008, and the seed bank is housed at the Joseph Rock Arboretum. She trains people all over the world about how to collect their native seeds in their region, and to help them to save their native seeds, and part of that is really understanding and knowing about plants in many places in the world, and really understanding the importance of ecosystems and regions all over the world, and that's what our agreements do. A discussion ensued between commissioners and Ms. Wagner. Cmr. Crivello noticed that there's numerous support letters from the community but has she done any outreach with any of the cultural descendants, practitioners in the area and whether they are interested in providing input and being a part of the process. Ms. Wagner replied that yes, she intends to do so and has been working with Kepa Maly who has provided preliminary maps and background information along with support. Cmr. Plunkett asked about public benefit for the conservation easement and succession, stewardship goals in relation to a property that has private interests. He is asking this question because in his previous experience working with properties that last over the Minutes of March 11, 2024 Page 6 course of multiple landowners, and agreements made during transition,the intent that was originally made doesn't carry over. What do you foresee for the property with the conservation easement and in keeping the vision. It's very common for gardens to be started by private landowners with money and when they die,there are often houses on the property where people can still live, but the large portion remains a public garden. There need to be stipulations along with a stewardship plan in place. Jill replied,yes that's right. The land conservancy will be monitoring the property annually to ensure that the conservation values are being met as outlined in the easement, and that the property can't be subdivided. These monitoring plans are super important. Cmr. Plunkett noted that at least once a year, the property will be monitored by MOKU, and if any significant changes are made, and County funds are used,the partners will be co- holders. When would this be directed to the Planning Department? The permits, conditions and stipulations,they default to inspectors who are not necessarily law enforcement. He's bringing this up because does PONC have an enforcement arm, he doesn't believe that it does. (f) Sugg.24-06, Nani Kai Hoku Farm Agricultural Easement, N. Kohala, Hawaii.TMK(3)5-5- 008:069 JANET BRITT spoke in support of Sugg. 24-06 for Clarence Baber and Gail Byrne Baber's farm. She thanked the Commission for all they've done to serve as a leader of visible hands. In 1936, President Franklin Roosevelt said, "The history of every nation is written in soil." She has known Gail since she came to the island in 2012. Clarence and Gail care deeply for land, and their legacy is to leave their land out here. As Clarence says, his goal is to add an inch of soil every year. She has worked in conservation for over 40 years and while her work was with land trusts on the mainland with wildland ranchers who were also foraging farms, the importance of conserving land for agricultural production has never been more critical now as prime farmlands are being converted to residential development every day. The micro- environments that regenerative farms build help to provide food security and resiliency as critical components of land use, especially with climate change requiring ever-changing carbon levels that can adapt to changes in rainfall, temperature, and natural cycle. As an integrated small farm, Nani Kai Hoku farmers have decades of farming experience, and will pass that on to the young farmers they mentor. I have already agreed to help draft required easement documents, as well as provide annual monitoring reports to this commission. LESLIE NUGENT spoke in support of Sugg. 24-06. She is a resident-inspired farmer and continue to be involved in social service work that support and advocate for inclusiveness and for farmers. She sits on the North Kohala Community Development and Agriculture Group, and there are lots of conversations right now about the vision for the future of agriculture. Minutes of March 11, 2024 Page 7 With this proposal,there's possibilities for public-private partnerships to support folks that continue to grow food and build soil and care for land in a way that's regenerative. As we all know, there's a lot of people, a lot of generations that feel hopeless about agriculture, whether they're from farming families or not, but who want to continue Hawaii's agricultural tradition, but it's difficult for them to continue to watch those parcels that have perhaps been generationally sold off to the highest bidder. If were able to show that there's some hope that the County is wanting to participate in preserving land, not only for open space, but also for agriculture. In terms of my relationship with Gail and Clarence, I have a lot of respect for them as farmers and producers, but also having worked in the nonprofit space with Gail for years, and her work of working with many different projects in terms of conservation, I have just a lot of respect and belief in their work that include the interest of the community as a whole. This Nani Kai Hoku project has my heartfelt support. DEBBIE HECHT spoke in support of Sugg. 24-06. She represents MOKU and their mission is to protect the natural heritage of Hawai'i island and this project supports the health of our people. They produce 13 certified organic products, which are distributed through a local farmer's market in the North Kohala stores. Clarence has been working in agriculture for 40-plus years and has worked to provide organic food for our island families by establishing the first CSA on the island in 1990, pioneering regenerative methods to increase soil health and maximize food production. He co-founded the Hawaii Culinary Herb Association, Hawai'i Hemp Council, Hawai'i Organic Farmers Association, and the Kohala Farmers Union. They mentored young people on their previous Kona farm through the Kamehameha Hale o Ho'oponopono Program for at risk youth. This property will remain in active food production and, again, regenerative uses will continue.The agricultural easement will protect endangered species, continue to create and protect pollinator habitat and will prohibit the use of concentrated animal feed operations to maintain the ecosystem and habitat for wildlife. We need to keep farmers farming. And this farm could be a model agricultural farm, showcasing improving the soil health to maximize the yields from this farm. MEGAN LAMSON spoke in support of Sugg. 24-06. She is a marine biologist and owns a very small family farm and have been helping in the last few years with organic farm certification efforts. She noted that four of five board members for MOKU are here today. In addition to the application that was submitted earlier, 10 days ago MOKU presented this application to the Legacy Land Commission, and it scored very high and will provide 30%of the easement funding for this parcel. Preliminary approval from the USDA for 50%of this funding was received, so we have secured 85%of the funds needed for the Nani Kai Hoku agricultural easement. However, PONC funds are absolutely needed and critical to ensure that this prime agricultural land, these 20 acres, are protected in perpetuity. And a regenerative farm that's producing 13 organic crops and protecting essential wildlife habitat and corridors and that remains in a very experienced local farmer's hands, and now into the future is high priority. At the Legacy Land Commission meeting, there were farmers and individuals in the agricultural community from all over Hawai'i: Maui, Oahu, Kauai, and Hawai'i Island that all gave emotional heartfelt testimony in support of the deep commitment that they've seen from the landowners, Gail and Clarence Baber,that they have to agriculture,40-plus years. Minutes of March 11, 2024 Page 8 The folks from around Hawai'i spoke about the hours and hours of volunteer work that Gail and Clarence Baber have done to support other farmers and launch statewide initiatives to further agriculture. So it's not just these 20 acres where it's happening—these landowners, from this North Kohala farm, are impacting the state, and that is worth supporting. And as one testifier mentioned at that meeting, I'm going to quote, "They haven't just grown food, they've helped to grow agriculture in Hawai'i." And then second, a couple weeks ago,the USDA came out with a survey highlighting the real loss and the dire need for food security. We've had over 80,000 acres of farmland lost, and over 750 farms over the last five years. Agricultural easements can be an important part of reversing this trend. In addition,there is an urgent threat of development and urban sprawl in this area.The general plan is looking at urban development and pushing the boundary within a few hundred meters of this farm. GAIL BYRNE BABER spoke in support and wanted to add that 77%of those farm losses per the recent USDA Hawai'i farm census was on our island. And the reasons for that are varied, of course, but she worked with the Kohala Center, I guess it was about eight years ago now, looking specifically at these agricultural easements as a strategy for helping retaining agricultural lands in farmers hands. It has been used very successfully in many other places. I think we can address some of the concerns that are really important to address, probably a little bit deeper on that, but they are absolutely successful in helping to retain farmers and keep farms farming. I think it was in the PONC application. It's just a map on the right, shows a bunch of dots around our farm and those are homes that have been built over the last 24 years, but they're not being used in any agriculture around our property, which is fine. I mean, people buy homes and live on ag land for many reasons, but then the proposed urban growth boundary will be about 90 feet from our farm, so there are pressures there for sure. A discussion ensued between commission members and clarified details about the farm, including that the easement is over the entire farm, the timing of the MRCS funding for the farm, the impervious surface requirements of the MRCS (no more than 2%of the farm area), the history of agricultural easements in the U.S. began in the 1970s to keep family farms farming in the face of corporations buying up large tracts of farm land, clarification that 85% of the funding is secured and PONC would provide 15%, who would hold the easement (MOKU and County if PONC funding granted), the baseline and annual monitoring of the farm that is required by MRCS, questions about the public benefit of ag easements (A: primary benefit is in perpetuity protection of ag land that zoning can't provide, along with protecting endangered species, pollinator habitat, regenerating soil, etc.), what happens if the landowners sell or pass away (A: any future owner of the farm must abide by the restrictions placed on it by the easement), questions about the maintenance fund being used for a farm (A: applicant hadn't thought about that, but only those activities that are required by the easement that are above and beyond farming such as protecting or enhancing habitat, etc. should likely be eligible.), if gulches were part of easement, and need for Commissioners to reflect on precedent of this application. Lunch: 12:36 p.m. Minutes of March 11, 2024 Page 9 Reconvene: 1:15 p.m. (g) Sugg.24-07, Kaohe 1-3, S. Kona, Hawai'i. TMK(3)8-7-009:005 CLIFF VICTORINE spoke in support of Sugg. 24-07 as a Kuleana landowner at the bottom of Kona Paradise Subdivision adjacent to the property. He spoke of the history of the area being a fishing village; and the continuous use of the King's trail and numerous fishing trails by the public. Growing up, he was told to respect the land and the trails. He mentioned that back in 2005, Mr. McKinley had an archaeological inventory survey done. In the survey, his mother was also interviewed as to how great or what she remembered in that area. Today, multiple lots in the area is for sale. Also, it's referred to in some of the practices in the early 1980's as having access to a private beach, and everyone wants access. The misconception is that these are private areas but it's community and for everyone to use. He asked to protect this property for education and so that people can remember their heritage. MELANIE SEYLER spoke in support of Sugg. 24-07 and resides in the Kona Paradise Subdivision. She is new to this process and has been working with many community members to bring forth this property. She apologized that Roy Santana and Lily Souza were not able to be here today along with other members of their group due to community obligations. A discussion ensued between commissioners, Mr. Victorine and Ms. Seyler regarding the names and contact information listed in the application and how it relates. Cmr. Crivello asked if they can speak a little bit more towards urgency and the current trends you see happening in South Kona. Ms. Seyler replied, that yes, the property is listed and available for anyone to purchase so the urgency is there. She added that development in South Kona is kind of tricky. You see a lot of land being built, and partially developed, so to say. But you can see that there's plans. So possibly a lot of resort development, luxury homes and private beaches, and that is going to be a huge impact on the South Kona community that very much engages in a subsistence-based lifestyle. Cmr. Plunkett asked Mr. Victorine if he could clarify a couple things. In the application, it mentions the property was just listed in December, so the urgency is just in the fact that the property was listed for sale, but what I wanted to clarify is you mentioned there were multiple descendants for the acquisition of the property, but just due to timing and the amount of time it's taken for people on it to just become aware of the property sale and gather it in a short time frame sounds like a highly privatized area, and being listed for sale could likely contribute to how privatized South Kona is. Also, with the timing of everything, Minutes of March 11, 2024 Page 10 you haven't quite had time to develop any strategies or have any conversations about stewardship, but the main thing right now,the highest priority would be just protecting the property, correct? Mr.Victorine replied yes and that he is in contact with the owner, Dan McKinley and has been keeping him involved in the process. Cmr. Lee noted that it sounds like a beautiful property with a lot of cultural significance, but in due time,will we be able to take more time to discuss these things in context with a little bit more of an understanding of perhaps the property, but what you all envision this space looking like should it be purchased through PONC and/or other funds. The urgency for South Kona is the chance to preserve not only cultural but active watersheds. Ms. Seyler replied that to be quite transparent,that's the biggest puka in this group, especially seeing the types of presentations and the types of ideas that the other folks have presented today. (h) Sugg.24-08, Honu'apo, Ka'u Hawaii.TMK(3)9-5-014:060&029 V. Chr. Rosam recused herself as she is a member of the Board and left the meeting. MEG LAMSON, a board member with Ka 'Ohana o Honu'apo spoke in support of Sugg. 24- 08. She along with V. Chr. Rosam and Co-Founder John Replogle who testified earlier are also on the board. She spoke of the past history and current state of Honu'apo. They have completed additional biological review for the wetland restoration project that has funded millions of dollars for the area. She would like the County to secure the entire parcel, to continue to allow for a recreational,food gathering, walking, swimming and fishing area for the community. This is the second time that the property has been nominated to PONC. Since a new 10-year Lease with the owner and County having first right to purchase has been executed, a purchase now will save the County money, more than $700,000. Cmr. Ward asked why Parks has not purchased this property. Ms. Lamson indicated that although they have an existing MOA with Parks to protect natural resources, there has not been any forward movement from Parks to acquire. (i ) Sugg.24-09 Upolu Point, N. Kohala, Hawai'i. TMK(3) 5-5-007:002 TONI WHITHINGTON CHAUNCEY WONG-YUEN RICK GMIRKIN CLARENCE AND GAIL PEREZ testified in support of Sugg. 24-09. GAIL PEREZ spoke of the Kupuna Council, and mentioned the past and the future that was given to them from a cultural practitioner and learned the importance in protection of Iwi Kupuna. Minutes of March 11, 2024 Page 11 Chauncey Wong-Yuen, the, Hawaii District Manager, for Airports for the State Department of Transportation, stated that Upolu, is one of our treasured airports. It's not always open., He further spoke of his ancestral ties to the area and sang a song written about an area nearby that was written by one of his ancestors. Rick Gmirkin, for the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail spoke about the significance of the Upolu trail corridor, which is the beginning of the Ala Kahakai corridor, which extends from Upolu and all the way through the Volcanoes National Park. Every place is special. But the name of Upolu also demonstrates how special this parcel is in the Pacific. And how it's taking names from other places and the connections that they have with other places. Toni Whithington, appeared before the Commission as the spokesperson for the Nominators' Kohala Groups. Toni spoke of the cooperators and introduced Charlie Anderson, Adam Cownie and Roland Messier. Charlie Anderson shared that the owner is willing to sell this property. And it's amazing because this property has been on the market for 20 years. And it's never sold. Cmr. Ward: wondered if anyone has ever pursued the idea that the Department of Transportation might be willing to contribute toward this. Toni -Yes, we have. We've also talked to Legacy Land and there's possible federal funding. We don't want to talk about it yet, because we don't have secure information yet. What we're doing here is to make sure that this property gets on your list. Cmr. Crivello -Thank you. It does mention that the landowner has confirmed his willingness to sell the project land, and that it will be listed for$3 million. If the appraisal price is more or less, what would that look like as part of his willingness to sell? Chares Andersen -The gentleman who owns the property has sold well over 3,000 acres of property to the county, to the state, to a lot of agricultural associations. He's met budget designs and sold below his value. He's not trying to get a good job, but he wants to do the right thing. Yes, the owner is very familiar with the appraisal value.They have participated in many sales of land to the county or to county funding over the years. I'm just so happy he's cooperating. Chr. Kelepolo -Thank you. That closes our business information, so we have a lot of work to do. Minutes of March 11, 2024 Page 12 2. Form Site Visit PInGs for the (10) 2024 Suggestions, select commission members, discuss scope of the PInG, select deadline for the reports. MOTION: Cmr. Crivello moved. V. Chr. Rosam seconded the motion. A discussion ensued between commissioners to select commission members for each suggestion. Chr. Kelepolo read the Site Visit PlnG for each suggestion: Sugg. 24-01, Honalo Ahupua'a —Cmr. Crivello, Cmr. Lee, V. Chr. Rosam, Cmr. Ward Sugg. 24-02,Joseph Rock Arboretum —Cmr. Chang; Cmr. Ward Sugg. 24-03, Kaloko Residential Park—Cmr. Crivello, V. Chr. Rosam, Cmr. Ward Sugg. 24-04, Kapalaoa —Cmr. Chang, Cmr. Crivello, Chr. Kelepolo, Cmr. Plunkett Sugg. 24-05, Kawainui Makai—Cmr. Chang, Cmr. Crivello, V. Chr. Rosam, Cmr. Ward; Alternate —Cmr. Lee Sugg. 24-06, Nani Kai Hoku Farm Agricultural Easement—Cmr. Chang, Cmr. Crivello, Cmr. Plunkett, Cmr. Ward Sugg. 24-07, Ka'ohe 1-3—Cmr. Crivello, Chr. Kelepolo,V. Chr. Rosam, Cmr. Ward; Alternate— Cmr. Plunkett Sugg. 24-08, Honuapo—Cmr. Lee Sugg. 24-09, Upolu Point—Cmr. Chang, Cmr. Crivello, Cmr. Lee, Cmr. Plunkett; Alternate -Chr. Kelepolo Sugg. 24-10, Minuee Ole Corral Bull Pen —Chr. Kelepolo, Cmr. Plunkett; Alternate—Cmr. Lee Cmr. Crivello amended the motion to include the members for each Site Visit PlnG as read by Chr. Kelepolo. Seconded by V. Chr. Rosam. Chr. Kelepolo asked for a roll-call vote on the motion to accept the Site Visit PlnG's for the 2024 Suggestions. Ayes: Cmr. Chang, Cmr. Ward, V. Chr. Rosam, Chr. Kelepolo, Cmr. Lee, Cmr. Plunkett, Cmr. Crivello Excused: Cmr. Markoff Vacancy: District 3 The motion passed, and the Site Visit PlnG's for the 2024 suggestions were accepted. V. DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE REPORT: Property Manager Hamana Ventura has nothing to report. Chr. Kelepolo asked if Finance could provide an update at our next meeting of the stewardship grant awards. There was a very good report provided at the November meeting, and questions continue to come up regarding this. Mr. Ventura replied that he will need to defer this request for now as his priority has been making sure Minutes of March 11, 2024 Page 13 that commissioners and suggesters received all the information in a timely manner for this meeting. Now that Ms. Braman is on board,they'll be able to provide a more accurate update for stewardship. IV. MINUTES: (Motion(s) required) Minutes (draft) of November 13, 2023, regular meeting MOTION: Cmr. Ward moved to approve the November 13, 2023, minutes as drafted. Cmr. Plunkett seconded the motion. There being no corrections to the minutes, Chr. Kelepolo called for a verbal vote, and all present voted, "Aye." The motion passed with 7 members voting "Aye," Cmr. Markoff being excused, and 1 vacancy. VII. ANNOUNCEMENTS: 1.The next public meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 13,2024,at 10:00 a.m.—1:00 p.m. at the Hilo County Building,25 Aupuni Street,Suite 1401, Hilo, Hawai'i 96720 2. Suggested agenda items for the Monday, May 13, 2024 regular meeting. a. PInG site visit Reports b. Formation of PInG for the Stewardship Grant Pre-Review for 2025-2026 Vill. ADJOURNMENT(Motion required) MOTION: V. Chr. Rosam moved to adjourn the meeting. Commissioner Crivello seconded the motion. Chr. Kelepolo called for a verbal vote, and all present voted, "Aye."The motion passed, and the meeting adjourned at 3:16 p.m. PUBLIC ACCESS, OPEN SPACE, AND NATURAL RESOURCES PRESERVATION COMMISSION ALEX KELEPOLO, Chairperson Approved: October 7, 2024 Minutes of March 11, 2024 Page 14