HomeMy WebLinkAboutAC-PONC WaiOpae Land Acquisition
William P. Kenoi BJ Leithead Todd
Director
Mayor
Margaret Masunaga
Deputy Director
County of Hawai‘i
PLANNING DEPARTMENT
PUNA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN ACTION COMMITTEE
Aupuni Center 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3 Hilo, Hawai‘i 96720
Phone (808) 961-8288 Fax (808) 961-8742
November 11, 2012
Public Access, Open Space & Natural Resources Commission
c/o 25 Aupuni St. Suite 1101
Hilo, Hawai’i 96720-4252
To Whom It May Concern,
The Action Committee of the Puna Community Development Plan wishes to voice its support for the
land acquisition at Kapoho/Wai’opae, also known as the Hara property or Vacationland Land Trust,
TMK 1-4-02-022, & 051 by the Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Commission
(PONC). Acquisition could be in partnership with the Legacy Land Trust and the county. The
property is currently #7 on the PONC priority list. We also wish to voice our support for a resolution
by the County Council in support of acquisition.
The piece available for acquisition is about 321 acres and borders the south side of Kapoho Kai Rd.
and makai of Hwy. 137. It also borders the Marine Life Conservation District with about 4,000 ft. of
shoreline south of the Vacationland subdivision. We find this land acquisition consistent with the Puna
Community Development Plan (PCDP). Section 3.5.2, 3.5.3 and 2.4 of the PCDP call for expanded
recreational areas and protection of the shoreline areas and coastal resources.
Section 3.5.3 part e. states: “Create and improve Preserves as
follows: …2) Improve conditions at Wai’opae Tidepools and the
Marine Conservation District.
3) Providing off-street parking that does not encroach
into private lands; and 4) Providing permanent public access.
Part 3.5.2 states: “Adopt the following classification for expansion
and improvement of parks in Puna: 5) Coastal Activity Area: A
shoreline recreational area that is accessed by a park or a public
easement.”
Part 2.4 calls for the protection of the shoreline area and coastal
resources – biological, historical and access trails.
Hawai‘i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer
Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Commission
December 11, 2012
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The Vacationlands Land Trust Property/Hara property TMK 1-4-02-022 & 051 offers numerous
resources: Historical & cultural sites, endangered species, preservation and restoration of native
habitat, access to coastal trails and coastal waters and increased ability for appropriate management of
the Marine Life Conservation District.
Mahalo for your consideration,
Patti Pinto, Chair
Puna CDP Action Committee
Cc: Gregor Illagan
Zendo Kern