HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-12-14 Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Commission MinutesHAWAII COUNTY PUBLIC ACCESS, OPEN SPACE AND NATURAL RESOURCES
PRESERVATION COMMISSION
MINUTES - REGULAR SESSION
December 14, 2009
Department of Liquor Control Conference Room
101 Aupuni Street, Suite 230
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Present: Chair E. Kalani Flores
Vice -Chair Sarah Moon
Commissioner Kim Garcia
Commissioner Bill Gilmartin (left at 12:15 p.m.)
Commissioner Steven Hirakami (arrived at 10:08 a.m.)
Commissioner Larry Komata (arrived at 10:09 a.m.)
Commissioner Terri Markovich (arrived at 10:10 a.m.)
Commissioner Hannah Springer
Absent: Amy Self, Deputy Corporation Counsel
Others Present: Ken Van Bergen, Property Manager, Finance
Alexandra Kelepolo, Clerk HI, Finance
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Chair E. Kalani Flores at 10:02 a.m.
STATEMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC ON AGENDA ITEMS
None.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion: Commissioner Springer moved for the approval of the minutes of November 9,
2009. Seconded by Commissioner Garcia; all members voted aye, motion carried.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATION
Communication No. 09 -021: Coastal and Estuarine Land Conservation Program (CELCP) &
Hawaii Coastal and Estuarine Conservation Plan
Communication No. 09 -022: E -mail dated 11/30/09 from Karen Eoff, Secretary, Hawaii
County Charter Commission ( "HCC "), re: Attached "draft" minutes of the 10/06/09 HCC
meeting for CA -15: 2% Land Fund & attached proposed Charter Amendment regarding the 2%
Land Fund (CA -15 Draft 2)
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Communication No. 09 -023: Letter dated 11/30/09 to Edmund Haitsuka, Chairman, HCC, from
Nancy Crawford, Director of Finance, re: Charter Amendment Proposal No. CA -15 regarding
the 2% Land Fund (Comm. 105)
Mr. Flores noted that discussion on Communication No. 09 -022 and 09 -023 will be under "new
business" on the agenda.
Motion: Commissioner Springer moved to receive written communications Nos. 09 -021,
09 -022 and 09 -023. Seconded by Commissioner Garcia; all members voted aye, motion
carried.
DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE REPORT
Mr. Van Bergen reported that the County is now in escrow for Kaiholena North (Tax Map Keys:
5 -8- 01:11, 19 & 20) consisting of 111 acres for the purchase price of 6.5 million. We are also in
negotiations for Kaiholena South; however since it's pricier the County is looking at different
avenues.
He added that he attended the Legacy Land Commission meeting in Honolulu for Pa`o`o which
was recently ranked #1 for grant monies in the amount of 945,000.00. In addition, the purchase
of Lapakahi may be fully funded since The Trust for Public Lands (TPL) has already obtained
State and Federal funding.
Furthermore, we recently received the Kawa appraisal for all three parcels totaling 3.9 million
and an offer letter has been sent to the landowner, Mr. Olson to either accept or reject.
Ms. Springer asked Mr. Van Bergen if the 6.5 million to purchase Kaiholena North would be
deducted from the 2% fund. Mr. Van Bergen replied yes.
OFFICE OF THE CORPORATION COUNSEL'S REPORT
Ms. Self was not present at the meeting, therefore no report.
CHAIRPERSON'S REPORT
Mr. Flores thanked Ms. Garcia and Mr. Komata for their commitment, time and hard work. He
asked if they would both consider a hold -over of 90 days since their terms expire on December
31, 2009 and at this time we have no one to fill their vacancies.
Ms. Garcia and Mr. Komata both replied yes. Mr. Flores thanked them both.
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UNFINISHED BUSINESS
• Commission to discuss finalizing of the 2009 Annual Report to the Mayor
(The commissioners reviewed the draft report and went into discussion)
Motion: Commissioner Gilmartin moved to approve the 2009 Annual Report as currently
drafted with the provision that the Chair be allowed to make minor edits as needed before
it's submitted to the Mayor. Seconded by Commissioner Garcia; all members voted aye,
motion carried.
Recess: 12:15 p.m.
Reconvened: 12:22 p.m.
NEW BUSINESS
• Commission to discuss drafting a letter of support as requested by Debbie Hecht for
the proposed charter amendment to set aside 2% of property taxes to acquire lands
for public access, open space and the preservation of natural resources
(the commissioners went into discussion regarding drafting of a letter of support)
Motion: Commissioner Garcia moved to accept the letter to Debbie Hecht as written.
Seconded by Commissioner Springer; all members voted aye, motion carried.
• Commission to discuss drafting a letter of support for the proposed legislative bill
relating to the establishment of a countrywide trail and access program
Mr. Flores noted that since Ms. Self is absent, this item will be deferred to the next meeting.
• Schedule priorities for 2010 meetings and activities
Mr. Hirakami suggested that they explore the idea of regional meetings next year since there are
many needs in the community, especially in Puna. He feels that sometimes between March and
April these meetings could be scheduled.
Ms. Springer noted that regional meetings should be held in Ka`u, Kohala, Puna and Hamakua
since those are the districts outside of the Commission meeting venue.
Mr. Flores added that they should highlight the successors of the PONC fund for the properties
that have already been purchased.
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Mr. Hirakami stressed on his willingness to work with the Property Management Division on
how the County can get involved in developing properties and returning monies back into the
PONC fund. Mr. Van Bergen replied that it's possible; however the Council would have to
approve and support this idea.
(Mr. Flores summarized the Commissions' tentative schedule for 2010)
➢ January — review of suggestion and assessment forms;
— look at ways to publicize and encourage contributors for suggestion forms;
➢ March — schedule community public regional meetings for informational purposes;
➢ May — collection of suggestion forms;
— look at grants and other funding sources
➢ July — review suggestion forms and scheduling site visits;
➢ September — finalizing report;
➢ November — approval of report.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, January 11, 2010, 10:00 a.m., at the Department
of Liquor Control Conference Room, 75 -5722 Hanama Place, Suite 1107, Kailua -Kona, Hawaii.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion: Commissioner Markovich moved to adjourn. Seconded by Vice -Chair Moon; all
members voted aye, motion carried.
Chair Flores adjourned the meeting at 1:04 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Alexandra Kelepolo, Clerk III