HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-11-27 PONC Proposed Properties for Preservation -- press release
Deanna S. Sako
Harry Kim
Finance Director
Mayor
Hamana Ventura
Property Manager
County of Hawai‘i
DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE
25 Aupuni Street Suite No. 2103 Hilo, Hawai‘i 96720-4245
Phone (808) 961-8234 Fax (808) 961-8569
December 1, 2017
NEWS RELEASE
Open Space Commission Seeking Proposals regarding Properties
to be Permanently Preserved
Do you know of a special property in Hawai‘i County that should be permanently
preserved? The County of Hawai‘i Public Access, Open Space and Natural
Resources Preservation Commission (PONC) encourages the public to propose
properties that should be purchased. Forms to suggest properties can be
downloaded from the County of Hawai‘i website at: 2018 Suggestion Forms (10-
9-17) or by obtaining a form at the address below. Suggestion forms are due by
4:30 p.m. on FEBRUARY 28, 2018.
Commissioners review the suggestion forms submitted by the public, and
consider the significant factors of each property such as historic and culturally
important features; opportunities for outdoor recreation and education; public
access to beaches or mountains; preservation of forests, beaches, coastal areas,
and natural beauty; protection of natural resources and watershed lands;
potential partners for management; and the general benefits to the public.
Potential acquisitions are then prioritized and listed in a report that is sent to the
Mayor at the end of each year. The Mayor then forwards his recommendations to
the Hawai‘i County Council, which adopts resolutions to authorize property
purchases. For more information on the process, go to: Hawai'i County Charter
10-15, 10-16, and Code, Article 42
Past open space purchases total 1,287 acres, and include Kāwā oceanfront
parcels in Ka‘ū; Kaiholena, Pa‘o‘o and Hāwī Banyan Trees property in North
Kohala; Kīpapa Park, White Sands Mauka and ‘O‘oma in North Kona; property
near Waipi‘o Lookout in Hāmākua; and the newly acquired Pohoiki Bay parcel in
Puna.
PONC funds are derived from 2% of Hawai‘i County’s annual real property tax
revenues. The County has also been able to obtain more than $7.5 million in
matching funds and donations from other sources to help purchase open space
properties. A Maintenance Fund has also been established to provide
Hawai‘i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer
stewardship assistance to community organizations to maintain properties that
are acquired with PONC funds.
The nine PONC commissioners represent each of the nine County Council
districts on Hawai‘i Island. To find out the commissioner for your district go to:
PONC Commission Fact Sheet. The Commission meets every other month at
the Hilo County Building or the West Hawai’i Civic Center, and public testimony is
welcome.
If you need further information please contact: Maxine Cutler of the County of
Hawai‘i Property Management Division, 25 Aupuni Street, Suite 1101, Hilo, HI
96720 or call (808) 961-8069 or visit the website at: County of Hawai'i, PONC
Commission Website.