HomeMy WebLinkAboutAC-PONC WaiOpae Acquisition SupportWilliam P. Kenoi
Mayor
County of Hawaii
PLANNING DEPARTMENT
BJ Leithead Todd
Director
Margaret Masunaga
Deputy Director
PUNA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN ACTION COMMITTEE
Aupuni Center • 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3 • Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Phone (808) 961 -8288 • Fax (808) 961 -8742
April 10, 2013
Ms. Wilma Matsumura, Chair
and Members of the Public Access, Open Space & Natural Resources Commission
25 Aupuni St. Suite 1101
Hilo, Hawaii 96720 -4252
Re: Kapoho/Wai`Opae Land Acquisition Request
Aloha Chair Matsumura and Members of the 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
being TMK 1 -4 -02 -022, & 051, by the Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Commission
(PONC). The property is currently 97 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 reported in the Hawaii Tribune Herald on March 20,
2013 has recently highlighted the urgency of the acquisition of this property. Human causes were
probably responsible for the fish kill in the Marine Life Conservation District (MLCD). 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 MLCD.
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 MLCD 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). Sections 2.1.1, 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 2.1.1.a states: "Structures and cultural sites that are significant to Puna's history and
cultural traditions are preserved."
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.
Hawai `i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer
Ms. Wilma Matsumura, Chair
and Members of the Public Access, Open Space & Natural Resources Commission
April 10, 2013
Page 2
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 Vacationland 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 MLCD.
Mahalo for your consideration.
Respectfully,
Patti Pinto, Chair
Puna Community Development Plan Action Committee
cc: Mr. Greggor Ilagan, Council Member, District 4