2012-53 AC-PONC Hara property DRAFT

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Communication No. 2012-53 Public Access, Open Space & Natural Resources Commission c/o 25 Aupuni St. Suite 1101 Hilo, Hawai’i 96720-4252 Cc: Gregor Illagan and Zendo Kern And Legacy Land Trust To Whom It May Concern, 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). Acquisition could be in partnership with the Legacy Land Trust and the county. The property is currently #7 on the PONC priority list. We also wish to voice our support for a resolution by the County Council in support of acquisition. 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 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 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. 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/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 Marine Life Conservation District. . Mahalo for your consideration