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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-03-11 Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Commission Minutes HAWAII COUNTY PUBLIC ACCESS, OPEN SPACE AND NATURAL RESOURCES PRESERVATION COMMISSION MINUTES-REGULAR SESSION March 11, 2013 25 Aupuni Street, Suite #1501 Hilo20 Present: Chair Marilyn Nicholson Vice-Chair Steven Hirakami Commissioner Dean Au Commissioner Gail Byrne Baber Commissioner Timothy DeLozier Commissioner Enock Freire (arrived @ 10:30 a.m.) Commissioner Searle Grace Commissioner Wilma Matsumura Absent: Commissioner Debbie Hecht Others Present: Bill Brilhante, Deputy Corporation Counsel Ken Van Bergen, Property Manager, Finance (arrived @ 10:08 a.m.; left @ 10:57 a.m.; returned @ 12:16 p.m.) Alexandra Kelepolo, Property Management Technician, Finance (left @ 11:01 a.m.) Iwaloa Chilson, Clerk III, Finance CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order by Chair Marilyn Nicholson at 10:07 a.m. STATEMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC ON AGENDA ITEMS STEPHEN WELSH Mr. Stephen Welsh, a resident of Honolii, spoke in support of the Honolii parcel that was submitted for consideration. The property is about 10,000 square feet and is located on the South end adjacent to the park with a portion encroaching onto the road. If acquired by the County, this property could be used for open space by tourists and residents and help to alleviate the limited parking space in the area. Further, there is a very steep cliff that is unstable and under the cliff there is a debris field from the house next door which also should be addressed. He stated that he became aware of this property when he found out that the property was in escrow and the new owners wanted to build a house on it. The present landowner, Ed Olson, is very generous and has offered to participate in the open space process. The property is no longer in escrow and is available for sale. He noted that there are willing partners, The Trust for Public Lands (TPL) and (HCF) to assist with management if necessary however feels that it should be left in open space. - 1 - Ms. Nicholson asked about parking and if they are planning to use it for a parking area. Mr. Welsh replied that they definitely need more parking there but there is some issues with the cliff and feels that it should just be left in open space. If the County acquired the property, they could widen the road and not have any issues with encumbrance of the private property fringent on the road. SAMMIE STANBRO Ms. Sammie Stanbro talked about how she and her son was actively involved in the beginning stages to implement the 2% Fund working with former Mayor Harry Kim. She talked about how the poll was as a result of grassroots collaboration of community members including Commissioner Debbie Hecht who was a huge part of the 2% initiative. She is here in support of Fund was created. It is used by hundreds daily, tourists and residents. The property is now owned by Mr. Ed Olson who paid over 300,000.00 and is willing to donate 55,000.00 to the County for management and maintenance if acquired. There is no property owner in the area against the sale and TPL is willing to volunteer their time if necessary. Since the 2% Fund was created for acquisition with matching funds, if the County is unable to provide the entire cost, HCF may be able to pay a portion. Mr. Hirakami asked if she or a group submitted a suggestion form to start the process. Ms. Stanbro replied that yes it was submitted by Mr. Stephen Welsh. Mr. Van Bergen asked if Mr. Olson is willing to wait until next year and asked if there is an appraisal. epolo if there is one. Mr. Au asked if they talked to all the nearby landowners. Ms. Stanbro replied that they talked to the adjacent owner and landowners directly across the street from this property and they are all aware. Mr. Au stated that it seems that the County road encroaches over the property and asked if there are anything. Ms. Stanbro thanked the Commission for their time and hard work. Ms. Byrne Baber commented that Ms. Stanbro and her son were instrumental in implementing the State, Legacy Land Conservation Program (LLCP). APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion: Commissioner Matsumura moved to approve the minutes of January 14, 2013. Seconded by Commissioner Au; all members voted aye, motion carried. - 2 - WRITTEN COMMUNICATION Communication No. 13-002: Letter dated December 18, 2012 to Chair J Yoshimoto and Members of the Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Commission (PONC) for District 4 Communication No. 13-003: Letter dated January 7, 2013 to Chair J Yoshimoto and Members of the tion of Timothy DeLozier to PONC for District 1 Communication No. 13-004: Letter dated January 29, 2013 to Chair J Yoshimoto and Members of the the nomination of Timothy DeLozier to PONC for District 1 Communication No. 13-005: Letter dated January 28, 2013 from Robert Milbank, Jr., Chapter 11 Aamakao and -2-007:004, 015 to 019, inclusive, and 5- 3-007:028 to 031, inclusive Communication No. 13-006: Suggestion Form received on February 4, 2013 from Stephen Welsh, re: -6-005:001 Communication No. 13-007: Letter dated February 21, 2013 to Chair J Yoshimoto and Members of Report to the Mayor Ms. Nicholson asked for a motion to accept and file Communication Nos. 13-002, 13-003 and 13-004. Motion: Commissioner Au moved to file Communication Nos. 13-002, 13-003 and 13-004. Seconded by Commissioner Matsumura; all members voted aye, motion carried. Ms. Nicholson asked for a motion to accept and file Communication No. 13-005. Ms. Byrne Baber clarified that these properties were prioritized by the Commission and this letter is just stating that the properties are available for sale. Motion: Vice-Chair Hirakami moved to file Communication No. 13-005. Seconded by Commissioner Byrne-Baber; all members voted aye, motion carried. Ms. Nicholson said that Communication No. 13-006 was related to the public testimonies received today and will go into their packets for consideration this year. Mr. Au added that this would be a good acquisition and will definitely benefit the community in the area. Mr. Grace commented that if they take away the parking that would be like 10 stalls and is glad to see this property submitted. Ms. Nicholson asked for a motion to accept and file Communication No. 13-007. Motion: Commissioner Matsumura moved to file Communication No. 13-007. Seconded by Commissioner Grace; all members voted aye, motion carried. - 3 - DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE Mr. Van Bergen reported that we are in escrow for Kaiholena however there will be a slight delay due to the appraisal review process with the State, Dept. of Land and Natural Resources before we can receive the 1.6 million from LLCP. We do anticipate closing escrow during this fiscal year and once completed all five parcels will be acquired for public use. Escrow is still open from almost a year ago for acquisition of the Kingman properties since we are holding over 200,000 for maintenance and management. The owner cleaned up the front parcels and it The parcel in the back has burials and arch sites and once we obtain plan approval from the Burial Council, clean-up can be done and the remaining money held in escrow can be released. conservation, there are issues that needs to be resolved and subdivision approval needs to be obtained from the State before we can move forward. In regards to Kahuku, we have State and Federal matching funds available and we may be able to move forward for acquisition later this year depending on the balance in the 2% fund. Mr. Hirakami asked if we are expecting a transfer into the fund. Mr. Van Bergen replied that there are four deposits into the 2% fund every year. Larger deposits come in during March and September and st the next deposit should be around March 31. Ms. Byrne Baber asked for an update of how non-profits can apply for stewardship grants from the Maintenance Fund. Mr. Van Bergen replied that Parks and Recreation will be handling that and he will provide more information at the next meeting. Mr. Hirakami asked about the Maintenance Fund and if the monies will be kept separate from the 2% Fund. Mr. Van Bergen replied that yes, it will be separate accounts. Ms. Kelepolo added that she will provide the accounting report for both funds on our web-site and will also provide updated information to the Commission. Mr. Brilhante had nothing to report. Mr. Hirakami asked about a sunshine law training. Mr. Brilhante replied that Mr. Lincoln Ashida will be doing one soon but if they want to do one in-house he can do one for them at the next meeting. Ms. Nicholson commented that this training will be good for the new members and to clarify site visits for the commissioners. Mr. Hirakami asked if there are waivers for site visits. Mr. Brilhante replied that the only entity that has a waiver is the State Legislature since they passed the law. Ms. Nicholson had nothing to report. - 4 - Recess: 11:01 a.m. Reconvened: 11:14 a.m. NEW BUSINESS Commission to discuss, review and revise the Assessment Criteria Form (the commissioners went into discussion regarding the Assessment Criteria Form) Motion: Commissioner Byrne Baber moved to accept the changes as previously articulated to the criteria form. Seconded by Commissioner Au; all members voted aye, motion carried. Commission to discuss and review draft press release to publicize to various radio stations and newspapers soliciting suggestion forms from the public Mr. Hirakami prepared a draft press release for the Commission to review. (the commissioners went into discussion regarding the draft press release) Motion: Commissioner Matsumura moved to accept the press release as amended. Seconded by Commissioner Freire; all members voted aye, motion carried. Commission to discuss and schedule 2013 regional meetings and outreach providing information and soliciting suggestion forms Ms. Nicholson asked if anyone had any meetings scheduled for public out-reach. Mr. Hirakami noted th that he will be attending the Puna CDP meeting on Tuesday, March 12. staff but have not yet heard back. Ms. Nicholson said that at the last meeting they discussed to contact the Councilmember in their district to see if they are having a community meeting and to possibly collaborate with them. Ms. Nicholson told the commissioners that if they schedule any meetings to let Ms. Kelepolo know so rt, flyers, suggestion forms, etc.). She added that it would be nice to receive nominations from other districts Ms. Byrne Baber commented that she appreciates the suggestion and met with Councilmember Wille to familiarize and update her about the Commission and their process. Mr. Grace suggested that they can also pair up to do a community meeting like they did last year and just let Ms. Kelepolo know so that she can find a location. ANNOUNCEMENTS The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 13, 2013, 10:00 a.m. in the Center, Building G Conference Room, 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Highway, Kailua-Kona - 5 - ADJOURNMENT Motion: Chair Nicholson moved to adjourn the meeting at 12:26 p.m. Seconded by Commissioner Grace; all members voted aye, motion carried. Respectfully submitted, Alexandra Kelepolo Property Management Technician - 6 -