HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-20 AC - PONC Supprot for Hara Land AcquisitionCommunication No. 2013 -20
Public Access, Open Space & Natural Resources Commission
c/o 25 Aupuni St. Suite 1 101
Hilo, Hawai'i 96720 -4252
To the Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Commission,
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). The property is
currently #7 on the PONC priority list and we request that the property move to
a higher position on the list for 2013 thus improving its chances for acquisition.
The fish kill at Wai'opae on March 19, 2013 has recently highlighted the urgency
of the acquisition of this property. Human causes may have been responsible
for the fish kill in the Marine Life Conservation District. This property would
help protect the watershed and ensure that it would not be developed with
residences or agriculture, thus providing some protection for the fishery at the
M LCD.
The piece available for acquisition is about 321 acres and borders the south side
of Kapoho Kai Rd. and makai of Hgwy 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
foIIows: ... 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.
The Vacationlands Land Trust Property /Nara 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.
Communication No. 2013 -20
Mahalo for your consideration.