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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-09-10 Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Commission Minutes HAWAII COUNTY PUBLIC ACCESS, OPEN SPACE AND NATURAL RESOURCES PRESERVATION COMMISSION MINUTES-REGULAR SESSION September 10, 2012 Department of Liquor Control Meeting Room nd 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Highway, Bldg. B, 2 Floor Kailua-Kona40 Present: Chair Wilma Matsumura Vice-Chair Steven Hirakami Commissioner Gail Byrne Baber (left @ 11:10 a.m.; returned @ 11:30 a.m.) Commissioner Enock Freire (left @ 2:15 p.m.) Commissioner Sarah Moon Commissioner Marilyn Nicholson Absent: Commissioner Searle Grace Commissioner Debbie Hecht Commissioner Terri Markovich Others Present: Amy Self, Deputy Corporation Counsel (left @ 11:35 a.m.; returned @ 12:30 p.m.) Ken Van Bergen, Property Manager, Finance (left @ 11:35 a.m.) Alexandra Kelepolo, Property Management Technician, Finance CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order by Chair Wilma Matsumura at 10:03 a.m. STATEMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC ON AGENDA ITEMS LEHUA LOPEZ-MAU Ms. Lehua Lopez- images of the area and also provided TMK maps and aerial pictures of the properties. She re-iterated that it is l(Whittington) Park and includes four miles of coastline along with numerous cultural and historic sites. She submitted a petition with over 1,200 signatures in support of this acquisition and noted that she has also received communication from the Keanu family who has strong ties in the area and will share - 1 - BLOSSOM DeSILVA of and how the purchase of these lands would perpetuate, promote and preserve some of the most culturally- WINFIELD CHANG along with taxpayers money and wants to know prioritized list for purchase and what is the procedure. Ms. Matsumura replied that the procedure is to nominate and submit a property which is reviewed and assessed by the Commission and then submitted to the Mayor with their recommendations. The Mayor member in the district would have to draft up a resolution authorizing the Finance Director to proceed with negotiations. Mr. Chang supported this acquisition and wants to know why nothing has been done yet. Department can start negotiations if the property becomes available for sale. JANICE PALMA-GLENNIE Ms. Janice Palma- She asked the Commission to acquire the property for long term protection of the resources and in Kohanaiki, this would expand open space for conservation lands that have been designated and changed by the Land Use Commission. JING JING TSONG Ms. Jing Jing T notes in music and talked about how the space between the notes is just as important as the notes itself. The most beautiful moments that are defined are through music noted that the value of open space is just too great to chart and thanked the commissioners for their consideration. KAREN EOFF e these added that there is not going to be enoug as a shoreline park for a continued stretch of coastal lands to be kept and preserved in open space. Ms. Eoff thanked the commissioners for their time and hard work. - 2 - REBECCA VILLEGAS Ms. Rebecca Villegas introduced herself as the President of the Kohanaiki Ohana and spoke in strong the top of the prioritized list today so that the County can acquire this parcel. This should heighten the need for open space, as mentioned earlier, the space between the notes. KALAMA KANE REEVES Kupuna iulanani Ole O Kalama Kane Reeves, born and raised in Kailua-Kona, pure Hawaiian and descendant of Kamehameha I. She talked about the illegal and wrongful annexation of and the Hawaiian monarchy. She wants them to know that there are still thousands of Hawaiians left and that she is not the enemy. She is here to protect all of the Hawaiian people and speak on behalf of them. No human being can buy us, no human being can buy me The County cannot buy the lands, the Hawaiians or the families which has owned these lands for generations from the mountain to the sea. Nobody asked permission from the Hawaiians to buy their lands or build a house and we are now slaves in our homelands today. BOB STERNE Mr. Bob St Commission to place it #1 on the list of 2% acquisition lands. BRENDA FORD Ms. Brenda Ford, Council Member for District 7 spoke in support of three properties. She spoke for time for this coastline to be acquired as a park and preserved in its pristine nature. Second, she supports the Kaunamano acquisition which is also an important stretch of coastline and needs to be preserved for future generations. Lastly, she supports Waikakuu, which already has a Council resolution passed for acquisition. If purchased, this would be the first piece of mountain land acquired for open space which includes Lehua trees, some that are between 500-1000 years old with massive trunks in excess of 600 feet across. In addition, there are also native flora and fauna, possibly an endangered fern, pritchardia affinis and native animal species including the Hawaiian Hoary Bat and Hawaiian Hawk. The State, Department of Land and Natural Resources is supportive of this purchase since they own the adjacent mauka lands and the Legacy Land Commission are also interested to fund a portion. The cost is approximately 1.3 million for all three parcels and hopefully about 40% of that cost is paid for by other funding sources. SHANNON RUDOLPH u and would also like to see - 3 - DIANE CORCORAN is a very important piece of land that is supported by the whole community. LEHUA KAMAKA toda Why i never be put in the top seven right now. There are g and she wants to know how to take a deeper look at how the process works. There needs to be more Hawaiian families represented; when are the Hawaiian people going to be heard. acres in Kw and is not being considered anymore, it already passed. PAUL ALEXANDER KOMARA, JR. Mr. Paul Alexander Komara Jr., a former Marine officer stated how he believes that what the corporation of the United States does today is rape, plunder and pillage in the world. He told the Commission that they are the peaceful warriors that are here to take on this battle for freedom of all Hawaiians. Greed needs to be stopped with us if indeed public funds are used to ensure that this Ms. Ford who spoke against the Public Land Development Corporation and expressed how sick and tired he is and just wants the craziness to stop. JUDY TAGGERTY and noted that she thought the acquisition was already done, it just keeps going on and on. Back in the days it was a beautiful beach and should remain that way. FLAUNN JAMIESON and the beaches and coastline are disappearing. She stressed so small, we have limited areas and everyone wants to buy our beach and own our spots. The County needs to help save some of the coastline; w the Kona community wants this property. She asked the Commission to please consider this acquisition for preservation and save these lands forever for future generations to come. - 4 - SIMMY McMICHAEL Ms. Simmy McMichael, born and raised in O beautiful it was back then until the apartments and hotels were built and look at it now. She moved to Kailua-Kona to raise her family and opened the first surf store for over 34 years. She is asking that ies. open space and beaches, not 30 feet high- it will be too late. CHARLIE ANDERSON Mr. Charlie Anderson represents EWM Investments, landowner for Kaunamano and noted how EWM purchased these lands and realized later that there were lots of archaeological sites and development was the wrong thing to do. He is grateful to the Commission, community for embracing this acquisition. He noted that the commissioners are doing a great job and is very community members to look for additional funding sources. If they all work together to raise money, apply for grants, etc. it can happen. He also supports the acquisition of MAILE DAVID properties are very important and talked about how she grew up in Kailua-Kona open space. Her concern is that the environmental and cultural practices be balanced and go hand-in-hand. She supports this totally a upholding the Native Hawaiian issues. ROBERT FREITAS, JR. Mr. Robert Freitas, o the family that he represents and his grandfather, Jacob P. Kamaka. They owned a home at Keahole Point and in order for them to get up mauka to their other homes, . On the other side of the trail was the Keanaaina family who had the keys to the gate and his family were trespassing all those years on ceded lands that were never ceded. Does the State really have title to the lands, do they really exist. Cleveland that is still binding to this very day as These lands have a lot of historical and cultural value; the Keana Kalaimamahu. There are historical documentation of being visited by Kamehameha I, Kamehameha II and Kauikeaouli. There is also a huge heiau that smart thing to do is to not make the s open. - 5 - APPROVAL OF MINUTES Ms. Matsumura asked the commissioners to review the draft minutes. Motion: Commissioner Nicholson moved to approve the minutes of March 12, 2012. Seconded by Vice-Chair Hirakami; all members voted aye, motion carried. Motion: Commissioner Nicholson moved to approve the minutes of July 9, 2012. Seconded by Vice-Chair Hirakami; all members voted aye, motion carried. DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE REPORT Mr. Van Bergen reported that we are still in escrow for the Kingman properties as there are still work to be done on parcel 31. We are now waiting for the Burial Council to approve the Kpapa Burial Plan so we can move forward. For Pohoiki, a draft purchase agreement was sent to the owners and we are now waiting for them to submit a request to the Board of Land and Natural Resources for approval to subdivide since its zoned conservation. Mr. Hirakami asked if we separated the is the industrial parcel worth more than the conservation parcel. Mr. Van Bergen replied that parcel 4 is more important as far as preservation goes and since its zoned conservation it would cost less even would be difficult to purchase unless the owner is willing to come down from 26 million. If we do or parcel 4 and we can buy either or the way the resolution is written. Mr. Hirakami replied that have when they receive a lump sum purchase. Last year the Commission went on record stating that Commission does support parcel 4. Ms. Byrne Baber asked when is the deadline for the Legacy Land Grant for Kaiholena. Mr. Van th Bergen replied June 30 and there will be deposits into the fund so for the first time there will be monies available. Recess: 11:39 a.m. Reconvened: 12:01 p.m. WRITTEN COMMUNICATION Communication No. 12-023: E-Mail received on July 14, 2012 from Donna Worden, re: Support of Resolution 276-12, Acquisition of Tax Map Keys: (3) 7-3- - 6 - Communication No. 12-024: E-Mail received on July 14, 2012 from Joy Mills, re: Support of Resolution 276-12, Acquisition of Tax Map Keys: (3) 7-3- Communication No. 12-025: E-Mail received on July 14, 2012 from Tomoe Nimori, re: Support of Resolution 276-12, Acquisition of Tax Map Keys: (3) 7-3- Communication No. 12-026: E-Mail received on July 14, 2012 from Tom Daniel, re: Support of Resolution 276-12, Acquisition of Tax Map Keys: (3) 7-3- Communication No. 12-027: E-Mail received on July 15, 2012 from Michael Kramer, re: Support of Resolution 276-12, Acquisition of Tax Map Keys: (3) 7-3- Communication No. 12-028: E-Mail received on July 15, 2012 from Carol Fuller, re: Support of Resolution 276-12, Acquisition of Tax Map Keys: (3) 7-3- Communication No. 12-029: E-Mail received on July 15, 2012 from Margo Lundstrom, re: Support of Resolution 276-12, Acquisition of Tax Map Keys: (3) 7-3- Communication No. 12-030: E-Mail received on July 15, 2012 from Eva Hillman, re: Support of Resolution 276-12, Acquisition of Tax Map Keys: (3) 7-3- Communication No. 12-031: E-Mail received on July 17, 2012 from Barbara Kahn-Langer and James W. Brown, re: Support of Resolution 276-12, Acquisition of Tax Map Keys: (3) 7-3-009:004 & 022, Communication No. 12-032: E-Mail received on July 17, 2012 from Cheryl King, re: Support of Resolution 276-12, Acquisition of Tax Map Keys: (3) 7-3-II, North Kona, Communication No. 12-033: E-Mail received on July 17, 2012 from Matt Binder, re: Support of Resolution 276-12, Acquisition of Tax Map Keys: (3) 7-3- Communication No. 12-034: E-Mail received on July 17, 2012 from David Link, re: Support of Resolution 276-12, Acquisition of Tax Map Keys: (3) 7-3- Communication No. 12-035: E-Mail received on July 18, 2012 from Lynn Beittel, re: Support of Resolution 276-12, Acquisition of Tax Map Keys: (3) 7-3- - 7 - Communication No. 12-036: E-Mail received on July 23, 2012 from Debera First, re: Request to move Communication No. 12-037: E-Mail received on July 23, 2012 from Dana Ast, re: Request to move Communication No. 12-038: E-Mail received on July 23, 2012 from Bob Sterne, re: Request to move from #7 to #1 on the list for County acquisition Communication No. 12-039: E-Mail received on July 23, 2012 from Esta Marshall, re: Communication No. 12-040: E-Mail received on July 24, 2012 from Keri Campbell, re: Request to Communication No. 12-041: E-Mail received on July 24, 2012 from Michael Swerdlow, re: Request acquisition Communication No. 12-042: E-Mail received on July 24, 2012 from Alicia Morrier, re: Request to Communication No. 12-043: E-Mail received on July 26, 2012 from Simmy McMichael, re: Request Communication No. 12-044: E-Mail received on July 30, 2012 from Cleg Holiman, re: Request to the list for County acquisition Communication No. 12-045: E-Mail received on July 31, 2012 from Barbara Kahn-Langer & James W. Brown, re: Support of Resolution 276-12, Acquisition of Tax Map Keys: (3) 7-3-009:004 & 022, Communication No. 12-046: E-Mail received on July 31, 2012 from Diane Ware, re: Request to move Communication No. 12-047: E-Mail received on August 1, 2012 from Chama Cascade, re: Support of Resolution 276-12, Acquisition of Tax Map Keys: (3) 7-3- Communication No. 12-048: E-Mail received on August 6, 2012 from Shannon Rudolph, re: Petition list for County acquisition Communication No. 12-049: E-Mail received on August 10, 2012 from Merry Anne Stone, re: -12 for County acquisition Communication No. 12-050: E-Mail received on August 10, 2012 from Tlaloc Tokuda, re: Request to -12 for County acquisition - 8 - Communication No. 12-051: E-Mail received on August 11, 2012 from Eva Hillman, re: Request to -12 for County acquisition Communication No. 12-052: E-Mail received on August 13, 2012 from Joe Conti, re: Request to Communication No. 12-053: E-Mail received on August 13, 2012 from Esta Marshall, re: Request to Communication No. 12-054: E-Mail received on August 13, 2012 from Colehour Bondera, re: Support of Communication 808 and Resolution 291-12 for County acquisition Communication No. 12-055: E-Mail received on August 13, 2012 from David Link, re: Request to -12 for County acquisition Communication No. 12-056: E-Mail received on August 13, 2012 from Duane & Marjorie Erway, re: -12 for County acquisition Communication No. 12-057: E-Mail received on August 20, 2012 from Karen Eoff, Legislative Assistant to Council Member Angel Pilago, re: Attached Resolution 291- number one on the Prioritized List for County acquisition Ms. Matsumura asked that the listed communications be filed along with the new e-mails that were received at the meeting. Motion: Commissioner Nicholson moved to accept and file the communications. Seconded by Commissioner Byrne Baber; all members voted aye, motion carried. Ms. Matsumura told the commissioners that their homework was to assess the suggestion forms that mentioned that Ms. Hecht has been unable to attend meetings due to illness. NEW BUSINESS Commission to review evaluation scores from the suggestion forms submitted by the public and discuss the ranking for the 2012 Prioritized List (the commissioners went into discussion) Motion: Vice-Ch industrial piece that is smaller in area but definitely worth more. Seconded by Commissioner Byrne Baber; all members voted aye, motion carried. - 9 - (the commissioners continued their discussion) Motion: Vice-t and put it on the bottom. Seconded by Commissioner Nicholson; all members voted aye, motion carried. Lunch: 12:45 p.m. Reconvened: 1:16 p.m. Ms. Self told the commissioners that she will no longer be the Corporation Counsel for the Commission; . She told them that Mr. Bill Brilhante has been assigned to their Commission and will be at the next meeting. NEW BUSINESS (continued) Commission to review evaluation scores from the suggestion forms submitted by the public and discuss the ranking for the 2012 Prioritized List (the commissioners continued their discussion) Ms. Kelepolo read the properties as ranked for the 2012 Prioritized List: #1 #2 #3 Halelua #4 Kaunamano #5 #6 #7 Vacationlands Trust/Hara Property #8 Kukuipahu- #9 #10 - Keawenui Easement #11 - Hilo Bayfront Trails #12 - Vacationlands/Wa #13 - #14 - Parcel 22 was ranked separately from Parcel 4 because we felt that Parcel 4 and other shoreline parcels around the island more strongly met the criteria compared to Parcel 22) Motion: Vice-Chair Hirakami moved to accept the rankings as discussed today and forward this fourteen properties as the prioritized list and include in our Annual Report to the Mayor. Seconded by Commissioner Freire; all members voted aye, motion carried. Commission to discuss the drafting of the 2012 Annual Report to the Mayor (the commissioners went into discussion) - 10 - Recess: 2:21 p.m. Reconvened: 2:25 p.m. (the commissioners continued their discussion) Ms. Matsumura told the commissioners to have their write-ups for the prioritized properties submitted th to Ms. Kelepolo by October 12. ANNOUNCEMENTS The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, November 13, 2012, 10:00 a.m. in Hilo (location to be determined). ADJOURNMENT Chair Matsumura adjourned the meeting at 2:53 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Alexandra Kelepolo Property Management Technician - 11 -