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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-07-09 Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Commission MinutesHAWAII COUNTY PUBLIC ACCESS, OPEN SPACE AND NATURAL RESOURCES PRESERVATION COMMISSION MINUTES - REGULAR SESSION July 9, 2007 Department of Liquor Control Conference Room 75 -5722 Hanama Place, Suite 1107 Kailua -Kona, Hawaii 96740 Present: Chair Kenneth Kaneshiro Vice -Chair Hannah Springer Commissioner E. Kalani Flores Commissioner Bill Gilmartin (left at 12:23 p. m.) Commissioner Paul Campbell Commissioner Kim Garcia Absent: Commissioner Benedict Yung Commissioner Laura Schuster Others Present: Amy Self, Deputy Corporation Counsel (left at 12:23 p.m.) Bill Brilhante, Deputy Corporation Counsel Harry Yada, Property Manager, Finance Alexandra Kelepolo, Clerk III Stacie Waltjen, Secretary CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order by Chair Kenneth Kaneshiro at 10:03 a.m. STATEMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC ON AGENDA ITEMS TOM WITTEN Mr. Tom Witten, a land planner with PBR Hawaii, spoke on behalf of Mr. Dennis Moresco, Managing Partner of North Kona Village LLC, in support of Communication Nos. 07 -023 — 07- 036 for O`oma. (Mr. Witten provided to the Commission a proposed development map of "O `oma Beachside Village " and explained in detail). Mr. Witten stated that in speaking with the community and consulting with Mayor Kim, a proposed plan was developed consistent with The County General Plan (CGP) which provides for a generous shoreline area of approximately 75 acres, of which 18 acres is for more active beach and coastal activities and 57 acres to be set aside for coastal preserve, open space and archaeological sites. The plan would be for a primary residential community in the Kona area providing extensive access to the shoreline along with a mixed -use village along the highway which would offer a full range of economic activities and a makai village with a beach club /canoe club facility. -1- Mr. Witten noted that the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) Preparation Notice was published in May 2007 and that it has embraced the community plan and CGP as it will focus on open space and urban expansion. At the beginning of next year they will be going before the State Land Use Commission to change the zoning of a portion of these lands to Urban which would be consistent with the CGP. In regards to the 217 acres which have not yet been zoned, 83 acres have been zoned for general industrial use along the highway as the remaining lands below the Mamalahoa Trail remain the subject of the EIS review process. Ms. Garcia asked whether there would be open access to the public and if so, would it be gated or limited to the public shoreline park area. Mr. Witten replied that the public would gain access through the Kohanaiki side or the southern boundary along with the existing jeep road as a pedestrian access along the shoreline. The Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority ( NELHA) will limit vehicular access on the northern side to protect an archaeological preserve. Mr. Campbell then questioned what would the median price of the homes be and about what percentage of the housing would be affordable. Mr. Witten responded that it would be a primary residential community with approximately 20 percent for affordable housing based on the County requirements. Mr. Campbell then asked if there would be parking available. Mr. Witten did note that they are not sure yet about how much stalls will be available but did mention that there will be approximately 950 -1200 units which will be tailored to the local residents. Mr. Flores asked for clarification of the proposed petition area shown on the exhibit map. Mr. Witten stated that approximately half of the 75 acres would be left zoned Conservation under the State Land Use Conservation District, the mauka portion of the lands would be urbanized in line with the NELHA archaeological preserve, 38 acres will be retained in Conservation and the remaining lands will be set aside in open space preserve. Ms. Springer then asked if any community groups in the Kohanaiki area were contacted regarding the proposed project. Mr. Witten did mention that they have been working with Mr. Bob Rechtman who has conducted a cultural impact assessment and have been in discussions with Mr. Peter Park as part of an on -going process. MICHAEL CROSSON Mr. Michael Crosson, a member of Mauka and Makai Access Committee (MAMA) spoke in support of Communication Nos. 07 -038 — 07 -047 and expressed his concerns regarding the significance of a stretch of populated coastline along the Hamakua coast which unfortunately has no shoreline access. Mr. Crosson mentioned that if possible, acquisition of the lower cane haul road which runs almost the entire length of the coast would provide access and in addition possibly benefit various government agencies and private entities. Mr. Crosson suggests to the Commission that funds be established to hire an abstractor and a surveyor to help in locating old government roads and trails. Next, he suggests that the Mayor instruct the County Planning Department to enforce the shoreline setback area along the coast -2- due to landowners blocking access by building fences, etc. Further, Mr. Crosson suggests that the Mayor write to the State Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) to include language for public access within State land leases and provide adequate time for the public to comment on the sale of remnants. Lastly, have the Mayor write to Kamehameha Schools to restore access to lands which are blocked at this time. Mr. Crosson's plea is to raise awareness and appreciation for the Hamakua shoreline area. Ms. Springer then asked Ms. Self in regards to what authority or position does the Commission or the County have in hiring an abstractor. Mr. Yada suggested that Mr. Crosson contact Na Ala Hele (NAH), which is a division under DLNR, Forestry and Wildlife. Mr. Crosson mentioned that he has been in contact with NAH but due to tremendous backlog feels that if funds are available then it may be easier to just go ahead and hire an abstractor and /or surveyor. Ms. Garcia then thanked Mr. Crosson for his time and efforts of his community advocacy group. Mr. Flores noted that certain sites on the applications submitted were not specific as to the intent and needed more clarification of the easement areas and access points. Mr. Crosson replied that in regards to Koholalele Landing which is a 900+ acre parcel too large for acquisition, if a right - of -way was created the owner could get two parcels as it may be split and may be more receptive to honoring the old sites. Ms. Springer added that there needs to be more clarification and greater specificity of the submittal for Koholalele Landing should the Commission consider the property, and thanked him for his presentation. PETE SPARKS Mr. Pete Sparks, a member of MAMA spoke in support of Communication Nos. 07 -038 — 07- 047 in regards to a stretch of lands along the Hamakua coast. He presented an older map showing the coastline from Kukuihaele to Laupahoehoe highlighting that back in the "old days" there were many plantation landings and docks and hundreds of places to fish from the top of the pali and now there is no place that you can go without trespassing over private property. Mr. Sparks then summarized with a story about a fisherman "your neighbor" who went down to the landing to pass some time, who's ocean access is shrinking everyday, while in the meantime a deal was concluded and a new gate blocked his way and the fisherman "your neighbor" never returned. Mr. Sparks concluded by saying "let's buy those gated landings and get our access back and restore the people's right -of -way. " Mr. Gilmartin asked what was the date of the map and Mr. Sparks replied that it was dated 1984 and it's a sugarcane company map which does not depict access or fishing areas. Mr. Gilmartin then asked Mr. Sparks to provide a copy for the Commission. Mr. Flores added that old cane haul roads or government roads could further be identified on the map for possible public access points. -3- Mr. Sparks then mentioned that the lower cane haul road could possibly be used as a good resource to provide public access, however fences put up by various landowners, cattle, and landslides have torn up the surface of the road in many areas. Ms. Springer then asked if the lower cane haul road traverses over a number of properties. Mr. Sparks replied that the ownership is complicated and he does not have facts but feels that the road could be saved. Mr. Gilmartin then commented that it's a very interesting idea as a possible historic resource and Mr. Sparks added that the road could even be used as a bike trail. DEBBIE CHANG Ms. Debbie Chang introduced herself as a self employed land use planner doing volunteer work for MAMA in support of Communication No. 07 -020, for a public access easement to Haina (a.k.a. Honoka`a) Landing continuing to Pd'auhau Landing. (Ms. Chang provided three sets of photos along with a map to the Commission of which were all explained in detail). The first set of photos depicts a parcel (Tax Map Key: (3)4 -5- 02:79) currently on the market for 12 million dollars, which shows a fence going way beyond the edge of cliff into the air, effectively blocking off the ability of the public to traverse laterally. This fence was approved as a minor structure by the County Planning Department who do not believe that the fence will affect public access to the shoreline because the area's pali conditions already prevent such access. Ms. Chang then explained the second set of photos which is for Tax Map Key: (3)4 -5 -02:16 showing a house built in the Conservation District, possibly un- permitted, an outhouse built on the edge of the cliff and fences constructed along the 40 -foot setback along the edge of cliff which are both Conservation District and Small Management Area violations. Ms. Chang briefly described the third set of photos which basically shows the ladders along the cliff walls, and further stated how the people in Hamakua are willing to climb down sheer cliffs to go fishing and that the County Planning Department was not aware of this when they issued those minor permits. Ms. Chang is requesting for the Commission's support of MAMA and in particular this request, in that the Commission write a letter to DLNR Office of Conservation and Coastal Lands (OCCL), DLNR Land Division and County Planning Department requesting that they be consistent in ensuring options for the public to walk along the setback from the edge of cliff. Ms. Chang also stated that the area around the historic sugar plantation landings are not designated Conservation District lands which makes it easier for landowners to build homes and lessens the permitting process. Ms. Springer questioned whether the condition of the area not being in the Conservation District was a result of the plantation days and Ms. Chang responded that it was zoned industrial back in those days as the cliff areas were used for shipping supplies, etc. to and from the ships. Ms. Springer then questioned the ladder in the picture and whether it's in active use. The question was deferred to Mr. Crosson, who replied that the ladder is fairly new and made of aluminum while the previous ladder was made of wood. Ms. Springer stated that at this time the Commission is preparing their list and report for this year and that they may need to come back to obtain more information when addressing public access in regards to multiple ownership. Ms. Chang welcomed the opportunity to provide additional information, however did emphasize that time is of the essence since some properties are currently on the market to be sold. Mr. Flores asked whether there was a 40 -foot setback at the base or at the top of the cliff for shoreline access. Ms. Chang replied that in regards to cliffs, the County Planning Department establishes the certified shoreline 40 -feet from the base of the cliff, however, it will most likely be determined that the edge of cliff will be the beginning measuring point for the 40 -foot shoreline setback. Ms. Chang also noted that depending on the physical conditions of each property, which is handled on a case by case basis, the 40 -foot setback could be increased; however the trails and easements will need to be pieced together. Mr. Campbell then asked whether the trails can be shown to be historically used. Ms. Chang then stressed on the need to hire an abstractor who would be able to research this information in maps dating back to the 1800's. Mr. Kaneshiro then mentioned that there is a need for the local people to obtain public access for fishing purposes in areas around Hawaii island. Ms. Springer then questioned Ms. Self as to whether an abstractor could be hired to do work in regards to public access issues for the Commission. Ms. Self then deferred to Mr. Yada who replied that additional funds would have to be incorporated into the budget and approved. Ms. Springer did stress that the Commission set aside time in the future to discuss strategic planning for public access. Mr. Gilmartin commented that it should be in general, thereby the Commission may not need to purchase as much lands and instead focus on acquiring public access easements. Ms. Garcia suggested working directly with DLNR on possibly taking over management of portions of the road for public access. Ms. Chang replied that in speaking with Land Division to request that they include a clause in the State leases noting that the lessee do not block public access to the shoreline in the Hamakua area, DLNR questioned as to whether it was a portion of a trail and noted that nothing was there and referred her to the County to possibly condemn and acquire the lands. Mr. Yada then commented that most of the State lands in the Hamakua area are on a month -to- month basis for pasture purposes and noted that the State has the right to withdraw property at any time from their leases and/or permits. He also suggested that DLNR could come together with Kamehameha Schools and the County of Hawaii on a plan with the community, however stressing that the lack of resources and liability issues would need to be resolved. -5- Mr. Yada further stated that the 40 -foot setback or certified shoreline has nothing to do with establishing public legal access as well as boundaries. DEBBIE HECHT Ms. Debbie Hecht introduced herself as the campaign coordinator for the 2% for Open Space and a member of the Save our Lands Citizens Committee. Ms. Hecht, an avid hiker and conservationist mentioned that the County should consider passing a right of adverse possession to trails used for many years so that one day the public could have the right to these trails. She then spoke on behalf of Communication No. 07 -005 for the Puapua`a property, a 12.6 acre parcel along Ali`i Drive containing a heiau said to be built by King Kamehameha I which includes an offertorium, altar, gravesites and building sites (Ms. Hecht provided an illustrated handout /map to the Commission of which were explained in detail). The property was acquired in May 2005 for 16 million by the Betsill Brothers Construction, Inc. (BBC) who plan to develop 35 oceanfront luxury homes in addition to constructing a pool adjacent to the heiau. Ms. Hecht stressed that the 2% for open space generated this year, roughly 3.5 million will be put into the land fund, however, at this time, there is no ordinance for transfer of development rights to help for the acquisition of lands and if there was one passed then the proposed development could be transferred to another property owned by BBC. Other strategies could be land banking, a land exchange for other properties owned by the County, or partial development which would leave at least half of the lands preserved. Ms. Hecht mentioned that in discussion with Ms. Garcia, another option would be to possibly have a native Hawaiian land trust manage the property or even consider converting the property into a park conservancy partially funded by County grants, stewardship grants or private monies. Ms. Hecht offered to the Commission a site visit of Puapua`a, should anyone be interested. Ms. Hecht also noted that Resolution No. 404 -06 was passed by the Hawaii County Council (Council) on September 7, 2006 for the acquisition of Puapua`a and mentioned that at one point this property was on the Mayor's "Top Four" list, however addressed the Commission to not get discouraged by the price of the property and highlighted on how the transfer of development rights would come in play for this particular parcel. Ms. Springer then clarified to Ms. Hecht that Resolution No. 404 -06 was passed for the preservation and not acquisition of Puapua`a so further negotiations may occur. Mr. Gilmartin asked whether this property was ever proposed for 2% and Ms. Hecht replied that she already came before the Commission as Puapua`a was placed on the Mayor's "Top Four" list. Ms. Self then noted that the Council passed a resolution a few years ago prioritizing four properties: 1) Kawa`a Bay, 2) Waipi`o, 3) Honoli`i and 4) Puapua`a, however Mr. Yada stated that the funds are limited and at this time the Commission is only working on the acquisition of Kawa`a Bay. Mr. Yada did mention that a possible solution may be for the Council to pass a resolution to re -do the priorities at some point. M Ms. Hecht once again stressed how important it would be to consider the transfer of development rights along with the right of adverse possession for trails. Ms. Springer noted that once a list is submitted there should be some way for the Commission to track the status of the properties, especially in this case for the Puapua`a property, and then questioned the issue of when does a property get removed from the list, whether it be upon Mayor's approval, Council approval through a resolution or does it keep getting processed if the property is still in jeopardy. Ms. Self then clarified that for Puapua`a, the initial resolution passed by the Council was only for preservation purposes; however the second resolution passed was for acquisition. Mr. Campbell stressed that the implementation of a management plan through working with local groups would be helpful in the leverage of funds and the possibility of looking at alternative ways to preserve lands besides acquisition. Ms. Hecht then highlighted that park conservancy could be a good option, whereas landowners could donate conservation easements for tax reductions, and the County could offer a funding source to hold these funds. BOB HUNTER Mr. Bob Hunter, a resident of Waimea spoke in support of Communication Nos. 07 -048- 07 -050. He summarized to the Commission that in regards to the Waimea District Park project (07 -050), the current management of Parker Ranch is anxious to give approximately 30 acres of park lands to the County. A non - profit organization has already been formed for this project and the County Department of Parks and Recreation (COH P &R) have allocated 750,000 into this year's budget for master planning and park design. Mr. Hunter is asking the Commission to write a recommendation letter to the Mayor to release the funds for the Waimea District Park project. Mr. Hunter then spoke in regards to the Waimea Trails & Greenways project (07 -049), which he described as a greenway with a trail that runs along the Waikoloa Stream through Waimea. He mentioned that eight years ago, COH P &R hired a consultant to design the first increment which was a one mile trail from Lindsey Bridge to the east end of Sandalwood of which preliminary plans have been produced. COH P &R have already put a 2 million dollar line item in the capital budget for construction of this project and a request for funds to the State Transportation Improvement Program has been submitted. Mr. Hunter then asked the Commission to write a recommendation letter to the Mayor to release the funds for the Waimea Trails & Greenways proj ect. Mr. Hunter then spoke in support of the Waimea Pu`u project (07 -048), which are lands owned by DLNR that the community has been trying to get for over 30 years to downzone from Ag -1 acre parcels into a zoning which would prevent development. DLNR has provided written approval to proceed with the change of zone request. The Waimea Community Planning Development Committee along with the Waimea Community Association is currently trying to establish public access and historic preservation as part of a readiness program for this project. Mr. Hunter did note that this is a coordinated volunteer project and is thereby asking the Commission to recommend to the Hawaii County Council to pass Bill 4114 and "tweak it" so that the zoning would not allow for the parcel to be developed. -7- Mr. Campbell commented in regards to the trail system in Waimea and suggested that Mr. Hunter contact the Community Assistance Arm of the National Park Service who provides staff assistance in conceptual master planning, organizational development, project coordination, facilitation and public involvement for natural resource conservation and outdoor recreation proj ects. Ms. Garcia then questioned Parker Ranch's lease in 2011 and whether upon expiration it reverts back to the landowner. Mr. Hunter replied that the lease is owned by the State DLNR and that it may possibly be released for a pasture lease and at anytime the lease can be re- negotiated. Mr. Yada confirmed that the lease cannot be re- negotiated, and that nothing in the lease would prohibit the State from withdrawing lands should there be an organized effort to create the trail. Mr. Flores asked for clarification of the Bill #. Mr. Hunter then responded that Bill #114 will be presented to the County Planning Committee this afternoon for review and approval and next month should be presented to the Hawai'i County Council. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Springer moved for approval of the minutes of June 12, 2007 regular session, seconded by Commissioner Garcia and carried unanimously by voice vote. Chair Kaneshiro amended a typo on Page 3, eighth paragraph... the word `they' should be changed to "there ", Page 3, ninth paragraph, the word `each' should be changed to "on an ", and Page 6, first paragraph, the word `what' should be deleted. WRITTEN COMMUNICATION Communication No. 07 -005: Suggestion form received from Debbie Hecht re: Puapua`a. Communication No. 07 -013: Letter to Alan A. Smith of Board of Land and Natural Resources from Harry Kim re: testimony for agenda item C -3 (Legacy Land Conservation Commission Recommendations and Approval of Projects for Funding for Fiscal Year 2007. Communication No. 07 -014: Letter to the Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Commission from Valentine Peroff Jr., of Nani Kahuku Aina, LLC, re: April 11, 2007 public meeting in Na`alehu. Communication No. 07 -015: Letter to the Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Commission from Clyde W. Namu`o, Administrator of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs re: Update on status of Keoni Alvarez, Burial Cave, Ainaloa Subdivision, TMK: (3)1 -6- 091:054 & (3) 1 -6- 091:079. Communication No. 07 -018: Suggestion form received from Carol Perry re: Coastal Halawa Makai (land between Hapu`u and Kapanai`a Bays) Communication No. 07 -020: Suggestion form received from Deborah L. Chang re: Public access to Haina (a.k.a. Honoka`a) Landing and Pa`auhau Landing. Communication No. 07 -021: Suggestion form received from Earl Yamamoto, Co- Chairman of Lalamilo Farm Lots Association re: Lalamilo Farm Lots Perimeter Buffer Zone. Communication No. 07 -022: Suggestion form received from Dr. Fran Tabor re: Sandalwood Conservation Buffer Zone. Communication No. 07 -023: Suggestion form received from Noah Brustin re: O`oma II. Communication No. 07 -024: Suggestion form received from Janice Palma Glennie re: O`oma II. Communication No. 07 -025: Suggestion form received from Kawehi Inaba re: O`oma II. Communication No. 07 -026: Suggestion form received from William E. Showalter re: O`oma II. Communication No. 07 -027: Suggestion form received from Charlene H. Showalter re: O`oma II. Communication No. 07 -028: Suggestion form received from Don Inaba re: O`oma II. Communication No. 07 -029: Suggestion form received from Donna Fear re: O`oma II. Communication No. 07 -030: Suggestion form received from Laurie Scully re: O`oma II. Communication No. 07 -031: Suggestion form received from Hilary Alexandar re: O`oma II. Communication No. 07 -032: Suggestion form received from Shu -Lin Ruedy re: O`oma II. Communication No. 07 -033: Suggestion form received from David Vermilyea re: O`oma II. Communication No. 07 -034: Suggestion form received from Janis Silva re: O`oma II. Communication No. 07 -035: Suggestion form received from Nick Delostrico -Hunt re: O`oma II. Communication No. 07 -036: Suggestion form received from Alastair Glennie re: O`oma II. Communication No. 07 -038: Suggestion form received from Michael Crosson re: Old Kukuihaele Quarry /Breakwater. Communication No. 07 -039: Suggestion form received from Michael Crosson re: Old Kukuihaele Landing aka Station & nearby areas. Communication No. 07 -040: Suggestion form received from Michael Crosson re: Kapulena Landing aka Opala House. M Communication No. 07 -041: Suggestion form received from Michael Crosson re: Springwater next to Kawaikalia Gulch. Communication No. 07 -042: Suggestion form received from Michael Crosson re: Malanahae aka Malanahae Landing. Communication No. 07 -043: Suggestion form received from Michael Crosson re: Kawela. Communication No. 07 -044: Suggestion form received from Michael Crosson re: Kahawaili`ili`i Gulch. Communication No. 07 -045: Suggestion form received from Michael Crosson re: Waika`alulu Gulch aka Fishtail. Communication No. 07 -046: Suggestion form received from Michael Crosson re: Kaholalele Landing. Communication No. 07 -047: Suggestion form received from Michael Crosson re: Ka`awali`i Gulch shoreline. Communication No. 07 -048: Suggestion form received from Robert M. Hunter re: Waimea Pu`u. Communication No. 07 -049: Suggestion form received from Robert M. Hunter re: Waimea Trails & Greenways. Communication No. 07 -050: Suggestion form received from Robert M. Hunter re: Waimea District Park. Communication No. 07 -051: Suggestion form received from Brent Bowman re: Papai`kou Mill Beach. Mr. Kaneshiro then noted that all communications submitted will be filed and thanked everyone for submitting their recommendations. DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE REPORT Mr. Yada reported that the County was awarded the 1.2 million dollar grant from the DLNR Legacy Land Fund (LLF) for the acquisition of Kawa`a (Johnson property), of which the County has accepted the offer and is now working on a grant agreement. Mr. Yada also noted that Mr. Bob Bloom is currently working on the appraisal for the property owners which should be completed within a few weeks and at that time the County can compare both appraisals and hopefully come to an agreement on the purchase price. -10- In regards to the parcels owned by Mr. Olson, Mr. Yada mentioned that Lea Hong, of the Trust for Public Lands (TPL), has been working on a draft of the National Coastal Wetland Grant application, however, a meeting last week with Ms. Hong (TPL), Roger Imoto of the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife and U.S. Fish & Wildlife discussed how the implementation of a management plan for the area would be necessary in order to apply for federal resource grants. Mr. Yada stated that the meeting discussed different approaches on how to acquire additional funding resources for the establishment of a management plan while working with community groups. Mr. Yada did also mention about the publicity and hearings surrounding the acquisition of the Punalu`u parcel and how important it is that the Commission be more specific about the land area and the objectives in the description when establishing their lists. Mr. Gilmartin then asked whether the seller of the Olson property in Kawa` a, would be willing to wait for the County. Mr. Yada replied that Ms. Hong of the TPL does have a draft of the application, however, the County needs to come up with some type of strategy for the development of a management plan so that federal funds could eventually be acquired. Mr. Gilmartin then asked whether the 1.2 million from the DLNR LLF is for a specific parcel and Mr. Yada confirmed that it's for the Johnson property, and further stated that the County has two years to use these funds or it will revert back to the State. Mr. Kaneshiro thanked Mr. Yada for attending the meeting on behalf of the County for the acquisition of the Kawa`a parcel. OFFICE OF THE CORPORATION COUNSEL'S REPORT Ms. Self introduced Mr. Bill Brilhante, a Deputy Corporation Counsel to the Commission who will be filling in for her at times for the Commission. Ms. Self then addressed members in the public in regards to the authority that the Commission has and that they are an advisory Commission to the Mayor and under County Code they are responsible for putting together a prioritized list of lands for possible purchase by the County or for other entitlements. This list is then submitted to the Mayor at the end of the year for recommendation and approval to the County Council who then makes the final selection of lands, whether it's on the list or not. Ms. Self did highlight on the fact that the Commission does not have a final say in what lands get purchased but that they are only responsible for preparation of the list. Ms. Springer asked Ms. Self on the status of the disclosure report for properties on the list which Ms. Self mentioned will be forthcoming. Ms. Self also noted that Ms. Pat Engelhard, Director of the COH P &R, will be attending the August meeting and that she will bring a copy of the "Friends of the Park Agreement" for the Commission. - 11 - CHAIRPERSON'S REPORT Chair Kaneshiro reviewed the minutes of June 12, 2007 and mentioned that there are a lot of good suggestions for the report to the Mayor. He then thanked Ms. Springer and Ms. Self. COMMITTEE REPORT Mr. Campbell reported that he and Ms. Garcia met with Ms. Schuster to identify additional funding sources. Some items discussed were to possibly have a round of public meetings on lands that are targeted for preservation and to work with public of the community on the development of management plans. Mr. Campbell then noted that some sources could be through local community associations, TPL, tax breaks on conservation easements and /or cash settlements for the value of the land relative to easements placed on lands, privately operated concessions and/or camping thereby charging fees which would be turned into management funds or local stewardship and /or community groups to help develop management plans presented to the community. Mr. Campbell then asked Mr. Yada as to whether there would be the possibility of any future legacy land designation on the island of Hawaii. Mr. Yada replied that the County would be able to apply for funding for additional properties in the future. Mr. Campbell then mentioned the availability of federal funding for coastal areas and endangered species under the Coastal and Estuarine Land Conservation Program of which requirements would need to be met by the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration. Mr. Campbell also is requesting assistance to develop a brochure as a public notice for communities providing them with more information. Mr. Gilmartin then added that the National Fish & Wildlife Foundation may be a potential for additional management funding. Ms. Springer then questioned Mr. Campbell on how the Commission will be able to use the different resources. Mr. Campbell replied that it's centered on the management aspect for funding and once the plans are developed the resources will become available. He further noted to Ms. Springer that in working with the community groups, the Commission would submit a list of the various resources along with the management plan to the Mayor. Ms. Garcia and Mr. Campbell expressed their willingness to remain on the committee to find these resources, as did Ms. Springer, however stressed community involvement. Mr. Gilmartin then questioned the responsibility of the Commission on having to seek additional funding resources and suggested that members in the community and organized groups needed to "step up" and get involved. Mr. Campbell and Mr. Gilmartin discussed that management plans needs to be developed for the highest prioritized properties on the list by initiating community outreach groups. Ms. Garcia then suggested that she would be willing to attend a community meeting in Honoka`a for the Haina to Pd'auhau request. -12- Ms. Springer asked Ms. Self on how the Commission would take the committee's work in considering alternate funding. Mr. Kaneshiro then suggested that this information should be included in the annual report to the Mayor. Ms. Self further identified as an example that a community group had already been formed for the Waipi`o property to raise additional funds for the acquisition. Ms. Springer then questioned that when the list of potential funding sources and partners is compiled, does the Commission include it in a report, add it as an attachment to a recommendation or provide copies to the public. Mr. Yada replied that by the Commission encouraging the public and facilitating with community groups to develop management plans, it may enhance the quality of the applications which are submitted. Ms. Springer suggested that as the list develops for alternative funding and partnering sources that it be added to the County website. Mr. Campbell further added that another source could even be private donors. Ms. Debbie Chang then mentioned that some funding sources may not fund government requestors but only non - profit organizations and questioned if the applicant needed to be the County. Mr. Yada replied that it depended on the source. Ms. Chang highlighted on the weak turn-out by the public and suggested that the Commission consider having a community meeting in Honoka`a which more than likely will raise public awareness and hopefully gain community partnership and involvement. Mr. Flores then suggested that the committee submit to the Commission a copy of the written report for additional information. NEW BUSINESS • Assessment of 2007 Suggestion Forms Mr. Flores noted that the Commission will now begin reviewing the 2007 suggestion forms. Recess: 12:13 p.m. Reconvened at 12:22 p.m. Lunch: 12:23 p.m. Reconvened at 1:35 p.m. Mr. Flores then asked whether there were any communications from the last meeting that the Commission could begin working on. Mr. Kaneshiro and Ms. Springer then replied that those were Communication Nos. 07 -006 & 07 -008 (Papa`ikou Mill Beach), 07 -009 (Kawa`a), 07 -010 (Punalu`u Beach/Ninole) and 07 -011 (Pohue Beach and access). -13- Mr. Flores then asked if there were any forms received last year that needed to be reviewed. Ms. Waltjen informed Mr. Flores that there were only two suggestions forms received after the deadline in 2006 to be considered for 2007 (Communication No. 06 -117 — Kathleen Paunani Aina land) and (06 -127 — Waiele) (Ms. Waltjen provided copies of both communications to the Commission). Ms. Waltjen then replied that there is more suggestion forms received this year which have been placed on the agenda for the August meeting in Hilo. Mr. Kaneshiro then asked whether Communication Nos. 048 -050 (Waimea Nature Park, Waimea Pu`u & Waimea Trails & Greenways Projects) presented by Mr. Bob Hunter could be included on this agenda for discussion and /or possible action. Mr. Brilhante then noted that these items must be placed on the agenda for discussion at the next meeting so that the public has an opportunity to comment. Mr. Yada further added that should there be action required, the Commission needs to evaluate their duties as far as supporting various groups or projects. (The commissioners went into discussion regarding the Suggestion forms). Recess: 2:24 p.m. Reconvened at 2:30 p.m. (The Commissioners continued discussions regarding the Suggestion Forms). • Discussion of 2007 Annual Report to the Mayor Mr. Kaneshiro suggested that a more descript and narrative report be prepared for the prioritized list including pictures and maps along with detailed information so that the Council and the Mayor can have a better idea on the area and what exactly the Commission is talking about. He also mentioned that even a possible site visit by the Commission would be beneficial. Mr. Campbell expressed that he liked this idea, however it would take a little longer to prepare. Ms. Springer then asked Mr. Kaneshiro if the report format would be revised to include a section including graphics, a photo essay and maps. Mr. Kaneshiro added that write -ups of archaeological and historic sites, etc. could also be included within the report. Overall, Ms. Springer commented that the Commission is trying to provide more detailed information in the annual report in the same way that we are asking the public to do so in the suggestion forms. Mr. Flores asked that a draft outline of the 2007 annual report be prepared for review and comment by the Commission. Mr. Kaneshiro noted to the Commission that he will provide a "draft" outline at the next meeting scheduled in August. • Discussion of the updated list of public accesses from the Planning Department Ms. Garcia noted that a copy of the County Planning Department Access Brochure was downloaded from the County website which includes useful information and maps showing County and State public accesses on Hawaii island. -14- Mr. Flores however noted that the brochure is very general and it does not identify County road or easements. Ms. Springer suggested that a reference copy be kept on file for the Commission should anyone need to review. ANNOUCEMENTS The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, August 13, 2007, 10:00 a.m. at the Department of Liquor Control Conference Room, 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 230, Hilo, Hawaii. ADJOURNMENT Ms. Springer moved to adjourn the meeting; Ms. Garcia seconded the motion and all members voted aye. The meeting adjourned at 3:25 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Alexandra Kelepolo, lerk III -15-