HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-11-26 Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Commission Minutes
HAWAII COUNTY PUBLIC ACCESS, OPEN SPACE AND NATURAL RESOURCES
PRESERVATION COMMISSION
MINUTES-REGULAR SESSION
November 26, 2012
25 Aupuni Street, Suite #1501
Present: Chair Wilma Matsumura
Vice-Chair Steven Hirakami
Commissioner Searle Grace
(left @ 11:54 a.m.)
Commissioner Terri Markovich
(arrived @ 10:12 a.m.)
Commissioner Sarah Moon
Commissioner Marilyn Nicholson
Absent: Commissioner Gail Byrne Baber
Commissioner Enock Freire
Commissioner Debbie Hecht
Others Present: Bill Brilhante, Deputy Corporation Counsel
(arrived @ 10:10 a.m.
Ken Van Bergen, Property Manager, Finance
(left @10:34 a.m.; returned @ 10:43
a.m.; left @ 11:02 a.m.; returned @
11:32 a.m.)
Alexandra Kelepolo, Property Management Technician, Finance
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Chair Wilma Matsumura at 10:00 a.m.
STATEMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC ON AGENDA ITEMS
None.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Ms. Matsumura asked the commissioners to review the draft minutes.
Motion: Commissioner Nicholson moved to approve the minutes of September 10, 2012.
Seconded by Vice-Chair Hirakami; all members voted aye, motion carried.
Ms. Matsumura thanked everyone for doing their write-ups for the annual report. She also added that
Ms. Moon and Ms. Markovich terms are ending this month.
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Ms. Matsumura asked a member of the public if they would like to make a statement or comment. Ms.
Oshi Simsarian replied that she is there in support of the Hara and Waiopae/Vacationland properties.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Commission to review, finalize and approve the 2012 Annual Report to the Mayor
(the commissioners went into discussion)
Recess: 10:12 a.m.
Reconvened: 10:13 a.m.
(the commissioners continued their discussion)
DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE REPORT
Mr. Van Bergen reported that we are negotiating the purchase agreement and escrow should open soon
for Kaiholena South, approximately 78 acres in North Kohala. We are still working with the owners of
Pohoiki Bay on some of the conservation use issues, and we already provided a draft contract for their
review. They need to obtain approval to subdivide from the BLNR before they can proceed with the
County process. Mr. Hirakami said he can follow-up with the landowner, Ida Smith since he sees her
often.
Mr. Van Bergen stated that at this time we have enough money in the FUND for the acquisition of both
Kaiholena South and Pohoiki. In addition two charter amendments passed so we will now have money
for management of these properties purchased.
Further, about three weeks ago, we removed Abel and his people from Kw and the road has been
blocked off since. A consultant is currently working on an archaeological and cultural survey at Kw
which is the beginning phases of a management plan for the entire Kw area.
monies from the 2% Fund, we are using CIP monies from an existing Parks & Recreation project.
In addition, the resolution for the Kahuku grant was approved by Council last week so we now have
grant monies to pay for a portion of the acquisition cost.
OFFICE OF THE CORPOR
Ms. Matsumura introduced Mr. William Brilhante who will be handling all work for the Commission.
Mr. Brilhante said that due to recent assignments in their office he is now the attorney assigned to the
Commission. He told the Commission that he will answer any questions that they have and asked that
Lincoln Ashida was against the land fund. He wanted to clarify that Commissioner Debbie Hecht told
him that and th (Neither Commissioner Hecht nor Lincoln Ashida was
present at this meeting.)
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UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Commission to review, finalize and approve the 2012 Annual Report to the Mayor
(the commissioners continued their discussion)
MOTION: Commissioner Moon moved to approve the annual report as revised today for Ms.
Kelepolo to prepare and make any non-substantitive changes that are required. Seconded by
Commissioner Markovich; all members voted aye, motion carried.
Lunch: 11:54 a.m.
Reconvened: 12:45 p.m.
NEW BUSINESS
Election of new officers for 2013
Ms. Matsumura noted that they have two commissioners out-going and a few that they were
Mr. Brilhante replied that you can nominate them but you would have to postpone the elections until
the next scheduled meeting. He added that the out-going commissioners can holdover for 90 days if
they are
going to be deferred to. Ms. Matsumura asked if it can be the January meeting. Mr. Brilhante replied
yes and noted that he has been on a Commission where they held it over to the next meeting.
Mr. Brilhante told Ms. Matsumura authorizing
the annual report to be submitted to the Mayor.
MOTION: Commissioner Moon moved to review the annual report and submit it to the Mayor
subject to Ms. Matsumura making non-substantitive changes. Seconded by Commissioner
Nicholson; all members voted aye, motion carried.
Ms. Matsumura asked if anyone is willing to be Chair.
(the commissioners went into discussion)
MOTION: Commissioner Moon nominated Ms. Nicholson as Chair and Mr. Hirakami as Vice-
Chair. Seconded by Commissioner Markovich; all members voted aye, motion carried.
Mr. Brilhante told the commissioners that they have to nominate the Chair and Vice-Chair one at a
time.
MOTION: Commissioner Matsumura nominated Mr. Hirakami as Vice-Chair. Seconded by
Commissioner Moon; all members voted aye, motion carried.
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Schedule Commission meetings for 2013
(the commissioners went into discussion)
Ms. Nicholson stated that they are still going to have six meetings for 2013 and announced the meeting
dates for 2013 as listed below:
January 14 (Kona)
March 11 (Hilo)
May 13 (Kona)
July 8 (Hilo)
September 9 (Kona)
November 18 (Hilo)
ANNOUNCEMENTS
The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, January 14, 2013, 10:00 a.m. in Kona (location to be
determined).
Mr. Brilhante stated that once we have new commissioners in place, he will have a Sunshine Law
training for the Commission.
ADJOURNMENT
Chair Nicholson adjourned the meeting at 1:02 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Alexandra Kelepolo
Property Management Technician
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