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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-05-10 Open Space Commission Minutes Approved COUNTY OF KAUAI PUBLIC ACCESS, OPEN SPACE & NATURAL RESOURCES PRESERVATION FUND COMMISSION Lihue Civic Center, Moikeha Building, Meeting Room 2A/213 MINUTES A regular meeting of the County of Kauai Public Access, Open Space & Natural Resources Preservation Fund Commission of the County of Kauai was held on May 10, 2012, in the Lihue Civic Center, Moikeha Building Meeting Room 2A/2B. The following Commissioners were present: Joseph Figaroa, Chairperson, Nathaniel Childs, Linda Dela Cruz, Patrick Gegen, Tessie Kinnaman, John Lydgate, and Jean Souza. The following Commissioners were excused: Maurice Nakahara and Johanna Ventura. The following staff members were present: Nani Sadora, Duke Nakamatsu, and Deputy County Attorney Ian Jung. CALL TO ORDER Chair Figaroa called the meeting to order at 8:03 a.m. APPROVAL OF AGENDA MOTION: It was moved by Jean Souza and seconded by Patrick Gegen to approve the agenda. All were in favor by unanimous roll call vote — motion passed. ANNOUNCEMENTS There were no announcements from staff. V 2012 Master Files\Commissions\Open Space\Meetings\2012-05-10\Minutes 1 COMMISSION SITE VISTS Recess and continuation of meeting for excursion to the West side and South shore to view areas of community interest identified through the community input process as well as to become familiar with coastal, mountain, and cultural resources in this area. Ms. Sadora noted that the Commission won't be able to see the motor cross trails at Piwai, but they will see the staging area. She stated that there were too many components involved with right-of-entry, but they will be able to get an idea of how big the events are and the clearing that was done. Deputy County Attorney Jung stated that they would be on Knudsen land looking over to the other properties. Commissioner Souza questioned the location of the drainage easement on the former Hoban property on the aerial map. Commissioner Gegen stated that the easement should be along the West wall of the property. Ms. Sadora stated that the Commission can view the easement from the road side and they can try to see what is visible from the harbor side. Commissioner Souza stated that they should also look at the Hoone Road property. Ms. Sadora stated that they were going to drive by when they stop at Kaneiolouma. Commissioner Souza stated that they could walk across the street from Kaneiolouma. Ms. Sadora stated that they had an appraisal done on the property which was about $3.8 million. She stated that according to the appraiser, there were no comparable properties that have sold on the South shore in that range, so the comparisons are ocean front according to what has sold. (Commissioner Kinnaman arrived at 8:20 a.m.) V 2012 Master Files\Commissions\Open Space\Meetings\2012-05-10\Minutes 2 The meeting recessed and the excursion left the Lihue Civic Center at approximately 8:30 a.m. and proceeded to the following locations: • Proposed Piwai (Omao) Recreation Area • Alexander Dam access • Salt Pond Beach Park • Port Allen to Lawai Kai Shoreline • Access to Kukuiula Bay through former Hoban Property • Kaneiolouma Heiau complex • 2179 Hoone Road Regarding the proposed Piwai recreation area, Ms. Sadora stated that the motor cross group is utilizing the Knudsen property as a staging area, but they wanted to acquire the A&B parcel to the west. Commissioner Dela Cruz questioned the liability. Commissioner Souza stated that she thinks that the motor cross groups carry insurance for their events. Deputy County Attorney Jung stated that there is a Hawaii recreational use statute that exempts private land owners from general liability for recreational purposes. Commissioner Souza clarified that the Knudsen property that they were viewing was not part of the recommended acquisition. She stated that he recommended parcel is the area west and toward the mountain. She stated that when the prior Commission visited the Kalaheo and Alexander Dam area, the potential for a forest recreation area close to where people are located is valued very high. She stated that acquiring the Piwai area could link the Kalaheo property down to the highway. She stated that she also envisions the area as an investment for people to potentially utilize for forest recreation. She stated that the motor cross groups don't use it all the time and there could be timed forest recreation uses. She stated that a forest recreation area that is close to where people live could supplement Kokee and would be a great thing. Commissioner Kinnaman stated that hunters could also access Hunting Area C. She stated that a lot of accesses are being closed off. Regarding the Alexander Dam Road, Commissioner Souza stated that it was supposed to provide an alternate access to Hunting Area C behind Kalaheo. She stated that the Division of Forestry and Wildlife at one time discouraged hunter access and wanted the access to be on the other side of Kalaheo. She stated that the Commission understands the Alexander Dam road to be public access. She noted that the "no trespassing" sign is concerning. She stated that because the Commission's roles have been expanded they may want to suggest a follow up. V 2012 Master Files\Commissions\Open Space\Meetings\2012-05-10\Minutes 3 Regarding Salt Pond Beach Park, Commissioner Lydgate noted that the State archeologist took the Historic Preservation Review Commission about '/2 mile along the rocks and there are a lot of artifacts and rock walls. Commissioner Souza stated that there have been discussions in the community about possibly linking pedestrian access between the different communities to Waimea, not necessarily going over the archeological artifacts, but there is a lot of land that is not currently being cultivated by Robinson's. She stated that it is an opportunity to acquire some of that for public use. She stated that Salt Pond is a tremendously heavily used park and it is the only major public beach park between Poipu and Polihale. She stated that there are issues with sewer lines, but with the possibility of land banking for park, it provides options for reconfiguring the uses, parking lots, etc. She stated that she is not advocating for how it should be planned out, but it would provide some options. She stated that camping is currently permitted near the life guard station, right on the boundary with the salt pans. She stated that it could possibly be relocated so there is more protection of the quality of the water for the salt pans. She stated that there have been talks of needing a master plan for the area. She noted that the air field is controversial at Puolu Point but it is State land. She stated that at times, cars park out onto the beach so there are use conflicts. She noted that there are native coastal plants at Puolu Point and stated that opportunity would be to expand and land bank the park. She stated that there have been talks of geological and hydrological studies. She stated that there is some fear that some of the vehicular use may be crushing down the underground structures that help the salt pans to be what they are. Commissioner Lydgate stated that the cultural use on the West side is very sophisticated with the rock walls and dress stones. He stated that it is culturally significant and very important. Chair Figaroa questioned if anyone is currently preserving that area. Commissioner Souza noted that it is Robinson land. Commissioner Kinnaman stated that she felt that a mauka expansion could potentially relocate the football fields so they would have an open view plane from the main highway instead of having it potentially developed in the future. Commissioner Souza stated that housing has actually been proposed for the mauka area in the last 20 years. She stated that there needs to be a buffer, because it also could be continued agricultural use with pesticides, etc. Commissioner Dela Cruz stated that they were trying to bring that up to the public during the survey, but some of the public wanted the current facilities to be taken care of first. Chair Figaroa stated that the maintenance falls under Parks & Recreation. V 2012 Master Files\Commissions\Open Space\Meetings\2012-05-10\Minutes 4 Commissioner Souza noted that the Parks master plan that was presented to the Council did not mention Salt Pond Beach Park. Chair Figaroa stated that the Commission should be involved in the plan for this area. Ms. Sadora noted that there is no current plan. Commissioner Souza stated that some people are saying there should be a bigger plan for the Puolu Point, the Salt Pans, and the park altogether. She stated that with the expanded roles of the Commission to improve open space and scenic values, they can address the Puolu Point. Commissioner Kinnaman stated that the majority of the community would like to keep Puolu Point wilderness. Commissioner Souza stated that the previous Mayor was proposing soccer fields and athletic events in the area, but the community was in opposition. Park caretaker Simplicia Tugade spoke to the Commission regarding the status of Salt Pond Beach Park. She felt that expansion of the park would be a good idea since half of the current park is used for camping. She stated that during holidays and vacations, the park is overcrowded. Regarding the Port Allen to Lawai Kai coastline, Commissioner Souza stated that when coffee was established, the coastal access for fisherman was adversely affected. She stated that fisherman can only access the area during certain times of the year, need to complete a permit application, and need to pay a fee. She stated that passengers in the car also need to be listed and permitted and use is restricted to daylight hours. She stated that during harvesting periods, access is not permitted. She stated that members of the public have come to the Commission to help reestablish fisherman access. She stated that Dr. Kawane suggested a joint meeting with the operators and the fisherman to try to work out a friendlier agreement. Mr. Rupert Rowe met the Commission at Kanieolouma Heiau complex. He stated that the Nukumoi Surf Shop location was the traditional entrance to the heiau and proposes that the existing building could be used as an interpretive center if acquired. He noted that the fishponds were filled in following the hurricane and that the parking lot is often flooded because it was once part of the fishpond. Commissioner Souza noted that after the hurricane debris was bulldozed and dumped into the area without permits. Mr. Rowe noted that the Weliweli property was transferred to the County last year, and they would like to acquire the Nukumoi property. He stated that it would be inappropriate to enter the heiau from the sides. He noted that the stone wall dates back to the 12th century. V 2012 Master Files\Commissions\Open Space\Meetings\2012-05-10\Minutes 5 Chair Figaroa questioned if the intention is to restore the entire area. Mr. Rowe stated that they propose a full restoration of the past. He stated that the area was an ancient Hawaiian village with taro patches, gardens, and temple in the middle. He stated that the photos on the website shows where the rocks fell off from the wall. He stated that the stewardship agreement takes the financial burden off of the administration. Commissioner Lydgate questioned if the plantations used to utilize the land. Mr. Rowe stated that they ran cattle through the area at one time. Commissioner Lydgate questioned if the roadway cut through the complex. Mr. Rowe stated that the amphitheater was across the road and fresh water well. He stated that the development altered the flow of the water and filled in the underground caves. He stated that fresh water holes exit into the ocean. He stated that after the development, they could not figure out the drainage, so they wanted to use the heiau area as a catch basin. He stated that in the old days everything from the fishpond to the Sheraton was the natural drainage of the water, but it was later filled and built on. He stated that the Army Corp of engineers is going to have to figure out the drainage. Commissioner Lydgate stated that in 1955 Eric Knudsen's grandfather used to ride horses through this area and said that it was a sacred area that should be preserved. He stated that the family has since split up and the original vision was lost. Mr. Rowe stated that he is following the direction of Henry Kekahuna, the Hawaiian architect and are following his blueprints to reenact structures. He stated that he would like to build the wall around the property starting August 1 . He stated that they have to obtain different kinds of cultural grants for the restoration. He stated that it took 14 years to get this far and now is the time to take the next step. Regarding 2179 Hoone Road, Deputy County Attorney Jung stated that a certified shoreline was done to establish a setback line. Commissioner Souza stated that she thought that A&B had considered donating the property to the County to meet some of the imposed conditions at Kukuiula. Commissioner Kinnaman stated that she never heard that. Chair Figaroa stated that they can discuss it later. V 2012 Master Files\Commissions\Open Space\Meetings\2012-05-10\Minutes 6 Chair Figaroa reconvened the meeting at the Lihue Civic Center at 2:37 p.m. There were no public members when the meeting reconvened. NEXT MEETING DATE AND AGENDA TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION Chair Figaroa stated the next meeting will be on May 24. He stated that Commissioners Kinnaman and Souza will continue their presentation at the next meeting. Commissioner Childs stated that they should discuss the field trip at the next meeting. Commissioner Gegen questioned the meeting with the Council's Planning Committee. Commissioner Souza stated that it is an investigative task group but the Planning Director needed to follow up. Chair Figaroa requested that it be placed on the next agenda. ADJOURNMENT Chair Figaroa adjourned the meeting at 2:40p.m. Respectfully submitted by: Duke Nakamatsu, Support Clerk V 2012 Master Files\Commissions\Open Space\Meetings\2012-05-10\Minutes 7