HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-1-14OpenSpaceCommissionMinutesApprovedCOUNTY OF KAUAI
Minutes of Meeting
OPEN SESSION
Board /Committee:
Public Access, Open Space and Natural
Meeting Date
January 14, 2016
Resources Preservation Fund Commission
Location
Mo'ikeha Building — Meeting Room 2A/2B
Start of Meeting: 1:08 p.m.
End of Meeting: 2:43 p.m.
Present
Members: Chair Patrick Gegen, Vice Chair Joseph Figaroa (entered at 1:19 p.m), Linda Dela Cruz, Teddy Blake, Randall Blake,
Dorothea Hayashi, Karen Ono
Also present: Deputy County Attorney Jodi Higuchi - Sayegusa; Planning Department Staff: Duke Nakamatsu, Kaaina Hull (entered at
1:52 p.m); Boards and Commissions Staff: Administrator Jay Furfaro (entered at 1:51 p.m), Support Clerk Darcie Agaran
Excused
Shaylyn Kimura
Absent
Jett Jasper
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Call To Order
Chair pro tern Gegen called the meeting to order
at 1:08 p.m. with six (6) Commissioners present
constituting a quorum.
Selection of
Chair pro tem Gegen noted that the selection of Chair and Vice Chair is done
Chair and Vice
on an annual basis.
Chair
Chair pro tem Gegen opened the nominations for the position of Chair.
Commissioner R. Blake nominated Commissioner Figaroa for the position of
Chair.
Commissioner T. Blake nominated Commissioner Jasper for the position of
Chair.
Chair pro tern Gegen asked if there were any other nominations to which there
were none. Chair pro tern Gegen called for the vote by a show of hands.
Three (3) Commissioners (R.Blake, Dela Cruz,
and Hayashi) voted in favor of Commissioner
Figaroa as Chair. Two (2) Commissioners (T.
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Blake and Ono) voted in favor of Commissioner
Deputy County Attorney Jodi Higuchi- Sayegusa asked Chair pro tern Gegen if
Jasper as Chair. Chair pro tem Gegen went with
he was withholding his vote, abstaining, or going with the majority to which
the majority. Commissioner Figaroa was elected
Chair pro tern Gegen replied he is going with the majority.
as Chair with a 4:2 vote.
In Chair Figaroa's absence, Commissioner
Gegen stated that he will maintain the
Chairmanship.
Chair pro tem Gegen opened the nominations for the position of Vice Chair.
Commissioner T. Blake nominated Commissioner Jasper for the position of
Vice Chair.
Commissioner R. Blake nominated Commissioner Gegen for the position of
Vice Chair.
With no further nominations, Ms. Higuchi- Sayegusa called for the vote by a
show of hands.
Three (3) Commissioners (T.Blake, Ono, and
Gegen) voted in favor of Commissioner Jasper
as Vice Chair. Three (3) Commissioners
(R.Blake, Hayashi, and Dela Cruz) voted in
favor of Commissioner Gegen as Vice Chair.
The vote was 3:3.
Chair pro tern Gegen stated that he will rescind his vote, so they move on.
Ms. Higuchi - Sayegusa stated that they will recast their votes and called for the
vote again by a show of hands.
By a show of hands, the Commission voted
unanimously to elect Commissioner Gegen as
Vice Chair.
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Vice Chair Gegen thanked the Commission for their vote of confidence.
Approval of
Regarding Item H.2., Vice Chair Gegen announced that HILT (Hawaiian
Agenda
Islands Land Trust) was not able to attend the meeting, but they will be at the
next regularly scheduled meeting. He noted that they will be asking for a
deferral when the item is taken up.
With no further discussion, Vice Chair Gegen stated that the agenda will stand
as -is.
Announcements
There were no announcements.
Approval of
E.1. Minutes of December 10, 2015
Commissioner Dela Cruz moved to approve the
Meeting Minutes
meeting minutes of December 10, 2015,
Commissioner Ono seconded the motion.
Motion carried 6:0
Receipt of Items
There were no items to receive for the record.
for the Record
Public Comment
All public testimony pursuant to HRS 92 (Sunshine Law)
Being that there was no one in the audience, there was no public testimony.
Commissioner Ono noted that Vice Chair Gegen forgot to do roll call at the
beginning of the meeting.
The meeting proceeded with roll call of Commissioners and the Deputy
County Attorney,
Unfinished
H.1. Com ilation and evaluation of 2015 public input process and the
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Business (for
development of a biennial list of priority projects and 2015 Report to the
Action)
Kauai County Council and the Mayor. [deferred from 11/11/15, 12/10/151
Vice Chair Gegen noted that he had two (2) questions. The first one was
on Page 2 of the Executive Summary regarding "Access to Kukui`ula
Bay ". He stated that there was no verbiage for the status, so he asked the
Commission if they wanted to include something to the effect of that it is
currently in Council's hands.
Chair Figaroa entered the meeting at 1:19 p.m.
Ms. Higuchi - Sayegusa stated that what she heard from Deputy Planning
Director Kaaina Hull was that he was trying to clarify what the highlights
were in the report; however, he did not receive a response from Ms.
Sadora. She noted that if they wanted to fill in the blank, they could have
that discussion.
Vice Chair Gegen stated that he believed it was the wish of the
Commission to include a brief status in the Executive Summary portion of
the report. He suggested to include something to the effect of "Presented
to the Council per Director Dahilig on "x" date" to let Council know that it
is in their hands.
Chair Figaroa agreed with Vice Chair Gegen regarding the statuses. He
added that Council would definitely like to be informed.
Chair Figaroa asked if they are waiting on the status of the "Restoration
and Expansion of Shoreline Access, Lawa`i Kai to Port Allen" to which
Vice Chair Gegen replied yes. Vice Chair Gegen stated that the
Commission hasn't taken any direction or tried to acquire property there.
He thought it was_ artially out of respect for the process that's currently
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going on with NTBG (National Tropical Botanical Garden), and the
shoreline being protected the way it is.
Commissioner T. Blake explained that research is currently being done on
the access from Lawa`i Kai to Hanapepe Bay. He noted that there are three
(3) ahupua`a in that area; Wahiawa, Kalaheo, and Lawa`i. Commissioner
T. Blake stated that the coffee company is concerned about their spraying
and traffic when they harvest because they don't know where they are
going to harvest. He provided some history about the area stating that a
group of fishermen from Hanapepe, including Dr. Donald Kawane, are
upset because they were previously told by A &B that they would continue
to have access to the shoreline if they opposed moving the County dump
near the coffee fields. However, the area is currently fenced off with
barbed wire. Commissioner T. Blake stated that they are trying to look for
solutions with a win -win situation. They currently have two (2)
suggestions on how to circumvent the situation. It's just a matter of
everyone knowing what their kuleana is. He felt that it could be a model
for the rest of the island.
Vice Chair Gegen suggested to note that the property remains as "on- hold ",
but they are awaiting community input for further action as the status.
Chair Figaroa asked for the group's name to which Vice Chair Gegen
replied that it's just a bunch of fishermen from Hanapepe who started the
conversation.
Chair Figaroa asked Commissioner T. Blake if he's saying that the group
spoke to County officials to negotiate the shoreline access to which
Commissioner T. Blake replied no. Commissioner T. Blake stated that
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A &B was against relocating the County dump in the ahupua`a of Kalaheo
because it would interfere with their farming operations. A &B told the
community that they would protect the shoreline access. Commissioner T.
Blake explained that after a few months passed, the area after the graveyard
was fenced off with barbed wire and no trespassing signs, so the fishermen
would have to park their cars there and walk down the coastline carrying
all of their items instead of the luxury of having their cars nearby.
Commissioner Hayashi stated that it was brought to her attention that about
three (3) or four (4) months ago, another fence was placed there, so there is
absolutely no access now.
Commissioner T. Blake reiterated that the best way to approach this is to
come up with a win -win situation. He stated that they felt that they have
been discussing a win -win situation, but it's a matter of ironing out the
details.
Vice Chair Gegen stated that for the status, he will note that the
Commission is aware of discussions between the community and the
landowner, and they will keep it on their list and participate if needed.
Commissioner Hayashi asked if they could ask Tom Shigemoto to attend
an Open Space Commission meeting. She stated that she found out from
the public that there are problems with the permitting process.
Vice Chair Gegen stated that would probably be a good idea. He added
that it could be a suggestion for the Chair to ask Tom Shigemoto to attend
March's meeting.
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Ms. Higuchi - Sayegusa noted that they can discuss it during the Next
Meeting Date and Agenda Topics portion of the agenda.
Chair Figaroa stated that he liked Vice Chair Gegen's proposed status.
Vice Chair Gegen stated that under "Program Background ", they need to
ensure that the correct ordinance is referenced there.
On Page 7, under the "Access to Kukui`ula Bay through Former Hoban
Property ", Vice Chair Gegen stated that he would delete "add current
actions" and the first sentence. He also suggested removing the third to the
last sentence, starting from "As such..." to "...alternatives ".
Chair Figaroa agreed, stating that would be correct since they are no longer
looking for alternatives.
Vice Chair Gegen stated that there weren't any other changes that he seen.
Chair Figaroa asked if "progress" in "Current Dossier Progress" will be
changed to "process" to which Vice Chair Gegen replied that he thought it
was "progress" because that is the progress that the Commission has made
so far.
Commissioner T. Blake noted that he forgot to mention something in
regards to the access to the coastline from Lawa`i to Hanapepe. He stated
that it is being looked at very closely and the information he spoke about is
coming through Na Ala Hele on the State level. Commissioner T. Blake
added that Na Ala Hele initiated talks with Kauai Coffee two (2) years ago
regarding access. He reiterated that they did their research and once it is
fine- tuned, it will be submitted to the Na Ala Hele Council, a State
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DOFAW (Division of Forestry and Wildlife) Council.
Vice Chair Gegen stated that it's good to hear an update and understand a
little more about what is going on.
Vice Chair Gegen asked if there were any other additions or revisions to
the report to which Commissioner R. Blake replied yes. Commissioner R.
Blake suggested to make a comment under the "Status of the Fund" section
of the report to note that the Commission set aside "x" amount for certain
projects. He added that it would show Council that the fund is not in a
deficit.
Chair Figaroa agreed with Commissioner R. Blake's suggestion.
Commissioner T. Blake asked how they would budget for a property like
Hoban. He stated that it could cost $100,000 or it could cost $1 million.
Ms. Higuchi - Sayegusa noted that it depends on when the appraisal is
completed.
Commissioner R. Blake stated that the Commission voted to set a limit on
how much they wanted to contribute. He added that they could note that
"x" amount is how much they have recommended at one point.
Commissioner T. Blake understood what Commissioner R. Blake said, but
he had some concerns. Commissioner T. Blake stated that he didn't know
if it would be detrimental to the Commission to note that they would only
spend "x" amount on a specific property because the seller might increase
the price.
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Chair Figaroa stated that he saw where Commissioner T. Blake was
coming from. He noted that the reason why he agreed with Commissioner
R. Blake was because from his experience with presenting to Council,
Council always asked them, "what are they doing with the money ?" Chair
Figaroa added that Council thinks the Commission is just sitting on the
money. He stated that it would show Council that they are actually doing
something with the money.
Commissioner R. Blake referenced Section 1 -5 -4 (b) of their proposed
rules, "Cost for the acquisition is commensurate to the public interest
served." He stated that he thought they needed to start communicating to
Council that they are trying to exercise their fiduciary responsibility to look
at reasonably priced properties and make recommendations.
Chair Figaroa proposed to include a note, after the balance of the fund, of
the projects and the approximate amounts that would be needed for those
specific projects.
Vice Chair Gegen suggested to include a note stating something to the
effect of "We anticipate this fund to deplete quickly given the items on-
hold as they move forward."
Commissioner T. Blake and Chair Figaroa agreed with Vice Chair Gegen's
suggestion.
Commissioner Dela Cruz stated that it sounded better.
Vice Chair Gegen explained that it would inform the Council that the
Commission is aware of their fund balance, but they are also aware that
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they have properties on -hold that they need the money for.
Commissioner T. Blake added that in talks with various Councilmembers,
they informed him that if the Commission recommends a good project,
they will find the funds for it.
Vice Chair Gegen stated that they could explain to Council that they do
have a fair amount of funds in their account, but in looking at their
projects, the fund could be depleted fairly quickly.
Chair Figaroa asked if they could include a proposed amount in the status
of each property.
Commissioner Hayashi asked if they would use the higher end of a
proposed amount to which Vice Chair Gegen replied that if they used the
higher end, then it would be the starting point for the seller.
Commissioner Ono stated that she thought it would be better to not include
any dollar amounts.
Commissioner T. Blake agreed. He added that if they include a price, it
would be like bargaining against yourself.
Vice Chair Gegen stated that was his concern as well.
Chair Figaroa asked if there were any other questions, comments, or
suggestions to which there were none. He requested a motion to adopt the
report per the revisions, and to send it through once the revisions are made.
Vice Chair Gegen moved to adopt the report
with the revisions as stated and to send it through
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once those revisions are made. Commissioner R.
Blake seconded the motion.
Discussion:
Commissioner T. Blake asked if the motion was to accept the report to
which Chair Figaroa replied yes, as corrected.
Commissioner T. Blake noted that on Page 10, NTBG seems like the main
player in the current dossier process; however, they only play a small part
because their part of the coastline is right at the western point of Lawa`i
Kai. He noted that "the big dog" is Kauai Coffee.
Administrator Furfaro entered the meeting at
1:51 p.m.
Chair Figaroa asked if he wanted to reword it to which Commissioner T.
Blake replied yes.
Mr. Hull entered the meeting at 1:52 p.m.
Commissioner Hayashi asked if it should be A &B to which Commissioner
T. Blake replied that A &B is the landowner, but they had to talk to Kauai
Coffee. Commissioner T. Blake added that Kauai Coffee ran the meeting.
Vice Chair Gegen asked what stroke him as most concerning in the
paragraph to which Commissioner T. Blake replied that Commissioner
Ono was putting something together. Commissioner T. Blake stated that
he will send the name of the western point of Lawa`i Kai to Duke
Nakamatsu.
Commissioner Ono noted that the second to last sentence should read,
"The Commission intends on also reviewing the access protocol instituted
by Kauai Coffee Company for access to the shoreline from the western
edge (Commissioner T. Blake will provide the name) of Lawa`i Kai to Port
Allen."
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Chair Figaroa rephrased it as "the western edge known as (name) from
Lawa`i Kai to Port Allen."
Chair Figaroa asked if there were any other comments or revisions to
which Commissioner T. Blake replied yes, on the top of Page 10.
Commissioner T. Blake stated asked if the first sentence meant that the
Commission could use funds or if they weren't going to use funds because
he thought that they agreed to use some funds for that property. The first
sentence read, "Previously, the Commission felt the Fund could be used to
acquire the property where the Nukumoi Surf Shop is located."
Administrator Furfaro left the meeting at 1:56
Vice Chair Gegen agreed and asked if they should remove the word
p.m.
"previously" to which Commissioner T. Blake replied that they should
make it a little clearer. Commissioner T. Blake suggested to say that the
Commission will be funding part of the acquisition.
Vice Chair Gegen suggested, "The Commission believes the fund could be
used to assist in acquiring the property where Nukumoi Surf Shop is
located."
Commissioner T. Blake stated that he thought they were stronger in their
terms when they spoke with Kaneiolouma. He noted that there were no
"maybes "; they all felt that they should help.
Chair Figaroa recommended, "The Commission agreed to utilize a portion
of the funds to assist in the acquisition of this parcel."
Commissioner R. Blake suggested to say that the Commission would
participate in a joint acquisition.
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Vice Chair Gegen stated that he didn't know if the County wanted to take
ownership.
Commissioner T. Blake stated that the area is a County park, except for the
Nukumoi parcel. He added that he would imagine that the County would
want to own the parcel as an expansion of the park if it was purchased, and
Administrator Furfaro returned to the meeting at
increase the current stewardship agreement with Kaneiolouma to include
1:58 p.m.
that parcel.
Chair Figaroa stated that he thought the word "assist" accomplished what
Commissioner T. Blake was trying to get at. He repeated the sentence for
the record, "The Commission has agreed to utilize a portion of the funds to
assist in the acquisition of the property where the Nukumoi Surf Shop is
located."
Chair Figaroa asked if there were any other revisions to which
Commissioner T. Blake replied yes, on Page 9. Commissioner T. Blake
read the following, "...request termination of a State Department of Land
and Natural Resources annual revocable permit for State -owned lands
westward and mauka of the salt pans and beach park and to seek an
Executive Order to the County of Kauai for public recreational and
cultural preservation purposes." He suggested to be a little more specific in
regards to the cultural preservation purposes to have a better presentation.
He noted that they are purchasing it to protect the salt beds.
Vice Chair Gegen suggested to have it read as, "...for public recreation and
cultural preservation of the salt pans."
Commissioner Hayashi stated that in their community association, they are
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doing a survey in the area because there are historical sites within the area
that they are currently mapping out. She asked the Commission to place a
hold on this for now. Commissioner Hayashi added that there are two (2)
heiaus on the point. She mentioned that there are three (3) parties who are
working on the remaining historical and cultural remnants.
Vice Chair Gegen asked if it would make sense to say, "...for public
recreational and cultural preservation of the salt pans and potential
historical sites." He explained that he was trying to be more specific. Vice
Chair Gegen asked if they should revise it because it was what was written
in prior reports.
Ms. Higuchi - Sayegusa stated that the agenda item is to update the
Commission's report that will be sent to Council for their review. She
added that they can work on the next steps in future meetings.
Commissioner Ono asked when the report is due to the Council to which
Vice Chair Gegen replied whenever the Commission approves it. Vice
Chair Gegen stated that the new proposed rules state that in an ideal
situation, the Commission would approve the report in their January
meeting, and then it would be presented to Council. If not the January
meeting, then the next subsequent meeting.
Mr. Hull explained that January, or the closest time thereafter, would
generally be the time that the Commission would want the report to be
transmitted to Council because it comes in line when Council is reviewing
the budget. He added that the report is not transmitted to Council until the
Commission adopts it.
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Ms. Higuchi - Sayegusa noted that a motion and a second was still on the
floor.
Chair Figaroa asked if there was further discussion.
To finalize the last discussion, Vice Chair Gegen stated that he wouldn't
revise the verbiage because it is noted in the report that that language was a
previous concern identified in prior reports.
With that, Chair Figaroa called for the vote.
Motion carried 7:0
The Commission recessed this portion of the
meeting at 2:08 p.m.
The Commission reconvened this portion of the
meeting at 2:18 p.m. with five (5)
Commissioners present.
Commissioner T. Blake entered the meeting at
2:19 p.m.
H.2. Review and discussion on 4.860 -acre archaeological parcel in Po`ipu
Commissioner T. Blake recused himself
located at TMK: (4) 2 -8 -031 -199. (deferred from 12/10/151
As previously discussed earlier in the meeting, Chair Figaroa requested for
a motion to defer this agenda item to the next meeting. He noted for the
record that Commissioner T. Blake will be recusing himself when this item
is taken up at the next meeting.
Vice Chair Gegen moved to defer this agenda
item to the next meeting. Commissioner R.
Blake seconded the motion. Motion carried 5:0
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H.3. Review and discussion on presentation to Council on June 24, 2015
Commissioner T. Blake entered the meeting at
regarding PL 2015 -01 Communication (05/07/2015) from Council Chair
2:20 p.m.
Rapozo requesting the presence of the Planning Director and the County
Attorney to explain the process that occurs before and after the Public
Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Fund
Commission selects properties for acquisition, including a detailed
summary of the Commission's current priorities; and the Eminent
Domain
process, and how it relates to the Commission's process and the acquisition
of properties. [deferred from 12/10/151
Mr. Hull explained that the Commissioners reviewed the proposed draft
rules at the previous Commission meeting. He noted that there were a
couple of points that the Commission wanted to be further clarified or
added. The first one concerned the review and recommendation and
possible barriers for Staff to transmit certain recommendations to the
Commission within the next meeting in Section 1 -5 -3, Department Review
and Recommendation. The Department proposed that within forty-five
(45) days of receiving a proposal, the Department will transmit a
preliminary report to the Commission for public proposals. Mr. Hull stated
that if Staff is able to provide the preliminary report at the next meeting,
which could be thirty (3 0) days or ten (10) days, they will. He noted that
the Commission should receive the preliminary report within at least two
(2) meetings. The second issue was to clarify who would represent the
Commission before the Council when the biennial report and /or the dossier
recommendation is taken up. Mr. Hull referred to Page 3, subsection (e),
above Section 1 -5 -7. He read, "The Chairperson or a Commissioner
appointed by the Chairperson shall represent the Commission before the
Council during the presentation at the biennial report. At the discretion of
the Planning Director, a representative of the Planning Department may
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accompany the Commission representative during the presentation." Mr.
Hull stated that it would ensure that the Commission will have either the
Chair or someone appointed by the Chair to represent the body at the
Council briefing. He noted that the same language is included on the last
page for the dossier process as well. Mr. Hull added that the County
Attorney made some grammatical edits; however, nothing substantive was
included.
Vice Chair Gegen stated that he believed Subsection (d) in Section 1 -5 -7,
was added into the report. He explained that it meant the Council and the
Mayor will receive the Commission's recommendation within thirty (30)
days.
In regards to the second part of Subsection (d), "The transmittal shall
request a response from the Council within 120 days of its receipt of the
transmittal ", Mr. Hull explained that it says to the Council to follow -up as
well. He added that Council can opt not to provide a response, but at least
it says, to a certain degree, that the ball is in their court.
Vice Chair Gegen stated that he believed the Department has addressed his
concerns.
Mr. Hull wanted to reiterate that they would request a response from
Council, and Council can opt not to.
Commissioner R. Blake asked when is the proposed draft rules no longer a
draft to which Mr. Hull replied that the parameters under which rules are
adopted is that it has to be reviewed by the Small Business Regulatory
Review Board, which is a State Commission. Mr. Hull stated that if the
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Commission is okay with the language in the proposed draft rules, he and
the County Attorney would travel to Oahu to meet with the Small
Business Regulatory Review Board to see if they have any input, which is
required under State law. He added that if the Board proposes any
amendments, they would entertain them and bring them back to the
Commission for their review. If there are no amendments, the rules would
be brought back to the Commission for adoption. Mr. Hull stated that if
Commissioner Ono entered the meeting at 2:27
the Commission is ready, Staff will initiate the official draft policy
p.m1
document to present to the Small Business Regulatory Review Board. He
noted that it would be sent to the Board as an official draft, then it would
return to the Commission and be placed on the agenda as draft rule
adoption. Mr. Hull added that they would be required to publish the public
hearing date for the review of the draft rules in the newspaper.
Chair Figaroa asked if the Commission accepts the proposed draft rules,
then it would go through that process to which Mr. Hull replied yes.
Mr. Hull stated that if there is no further discussion, the Department can
feel comfortable in officially issuing it as the draft rules. They will present
to the Board and return to the Commission in March, if the Board is
content with the language, for their consideration and adoption.
Commissioner T. Blake moved to have the draft
rules go before the Small Business Regulatory
Review Board for their review. Vice Chair
Gegen seconded the motion.
Discussion:
Commissioner R. Blake referred to Section 1 -5 -4 (b), "Cost for the
acquisition is commensurate to the public interest served. The Cost may be
shared by other parties." He stated that his point was that the Commission
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is going to adopt these rules but they are going to send the biennial report
to Council that does not discuss the cost of the items that are in the report.
Commissioner R. Blake added that all of the Commission's discussions are
open to the public, so they aren't hiding anything. Vice Chair Gegen stated
for clarification that when the Commission starts to discuss the costs and
the appraisals, they will go into executive session. He added that Section
1 -5 -4 (b) is ensuring that the Commission understands that they may ask
another organization or someone to help carry the burden of potential
acquisitions.
Commissioner R. Blake asked if they are going to go into executive session
to keep it private, and then share it. Vice Chair Gegen explained that with
the Hoban property, the Commission approved an amount to get an
appraisal, which was done in open session. When the appraisal came back,
the Commission went into executive session to discuss the results. Vice
Chair Gegen stated that they didn't want to "show their cards" to
landowner's attorney that was sitting in the audience.
Ms. Higuchi - Sayegusa stated that Section 1 -5 -4 (b) is a criteria that the
Commission has in analyzing whether or not a recommendation will be
sent to Council for acquisition.
Mr. Hull stated that there will be acquisitions in which there are no
partnerships and the fund would be used solely by itself for acquisition, but
in the event that they are able to secure partners in acquisition, they wanted
to ensure that the rules wouldn't preclude that.
With no further discussion, Chair Figaroa called for the vote.
Motion carried 7:0
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New Business
There was no New Business for Action.
for Action
Next Meeting
Chair Figaroa announced the next meeting date is Thursday, February 11,
Date and
2016, at 1:00 p.m. at the Mo'ikeha Building — Meeting Room 2A/2B.
Agenda Topics
for Discussion
Chair Figaroa stated that agenda item H.2. will be on the next meeting's
agenda. He noted that they will invite Tom Shigemoto to attend the
meeting as well.
Commissioner T. Blake asked if they should invite Tom Shigemoto to
attend the next meeting or wait until they receive more information.
Vice Chair Gegen asked if he is suggesting to wait until the March meeting
to which Commissioner T. Blake replied yes.
Chair Figaroa reiterated that the next meeting date is February 11 `f', and
they will be have the presentation from HILT regarding agenda item H.2.
Mr. Hull noted that Ms. Anderson from HILT served as a Commissioner
for the County of Kauai, so she currently cannot speak to any Boards or
Commissions on a specific acquisition. She must wait one (1) year before
she can appear on behalf of a specific interest. Mr. Hull clarified that Ms.
Anderson has to give a presentation in the generality of how partnerships
with HILT in the acquisition of properties would work. It will more or less
be a workshop -type discussion.
Vice Chair Gegen suggested to have two (2) items on the next meeting's
agenda. One would be the presentation from HILT, and the other would be
to discuss the parcel in relation to the information that they will receive.
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Chair Figaroa agreed and asked the Commissioners if there was anything
else they wanted to include.
Vice Chair Gegen announced that he will not be present at the next
meeting.
Chair Figaroa turned the floor over to Administrator Furfaro.
Administrator Furfaro shared that seventeen (17) names were sent to
Council for reappointments. All, except two (2), were reappointed
yesterday.
Administrator Furfaro provided documentation on density to Mr. Hull.
Administrator Furfaro stated that he had a discussion with the Planning
Director and it came up with the Queen Emma parcel that was on the
Commission's acquisition list. Administrator Furfaro noted that there
seemed to be some confusion regarding the density level on Ag parcels and
the density level on Open Space. As an example, he explained that the
seven (7) lots relating to the Queen Emma parcel is actually on Open land
and the density has a different calculation, which could actually be denser
than Ag land. Administrator Furfaro noted that there are subcategories for
Open Space, which are Open Space - Cultural, Open Space- Historic, and
Open Space - Preservation. He stated that the Commissioners should be
aware of it because it places different values on the property.
Administrator Furfaro thought that the Commission might want to have
some discussion on that, so he requested for it to be placed on the agenda.
Mr. Hull stated that as far as the Queen Emma parcel, it has been moved
Public Access, Open Space & Natural Resources
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Regular Open Session
January 14, 2016
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off of the acquisition list and that is why the discussion didn't happen. He
noted that if the Commission wanted to have a discussion on how density
works within the Open zoning, as well as how certain Open -zoned
designations and criteria have been established, they can have a
presentation at the next meeting. Mr. Hull stated that it wouldn't be a bad
idea because often times Open Space zoning is confused with Open Space
acquisitions, which are two (2) very different animals.
Chair Figaroa asked if they could add it to their March agenda to which
Mr. Hull replied yes.
Commissioner T. Blake asked if the Queen Emma parcel is still being
discussed to which Chair Figaroa replied that it is currently in escrow.
Commissioner T. Blake stated that one of the criteria was that it would be
safe and with minimum liability for the County. He noted that Civil Beat
has been talking about how many tourist die in Hawai'i, which have all
been drownings. Commissioner T. Blake stated that Queen's Bath was
No.I with twenty -eight (28) drownings. He believed that anything they do
to enhance Queen's Bath puts the onus on the County because it's private
property.
Commissioner R. Blake called a point of order. He noted that the
Commission is past their agenda item for discussion and that the
Commission voted down any discussion of Queen Emma's Bath.
Commissioner T. Blake stated that was all he wanted to bring up because it
came up again and he thought it was over.
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January 14, 2016
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Chair Figaroa confirmed that the Queen Emma parcel was no longer one of
their potential acquisitions.
Administrator Furfaro explained that he approached the Commission
earlier because there seemed to be some confusion about the zoning. He
stated that the purpose of his request was because he thought there was a
question about the density with Open -zoned land. It wasn't specifically
about Queen's Bath.
With no further discussion, the meeting was adjourned.
Adjournment
0
Chair Figaroa adjourned the meeting at 2:43 p.m.
P
Submitted by/'
(, rcie Agaran, Staff Support Clerk
() Approved as circulated
() Approved as amended. See minutes of
meeting.
Reviewed and Approved by:
Joseph Figaroa, Chair