HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-3-10OpenSpaceMinutesApprovedAlro w : a COUNTY OF KAUAI �� . . e
Minutes of Meeting
OPEN SESSION
Board /Committee:
Public Access, Open Space and Natural
Meeting Date
March 10, 2016
Resources Preservation Fund Commission
Location
Mo'ikeha Building — Meeting Room 2A/2B
Start of Meeting: 1:26 p.m.
End of Meeting: 3:06 p.m.
Present
Members: Chair Joseph Figaroa (entered at 1:36p.m.), Vice Chair Patrick Gegen (entered at 2:00 p.m), Linda Dela Cruz, Teddy Blake,
Dorothea Hayashi, Shaylyn Kimura, Jett Jasper
Also present: Deputy County Attorney Jodi Higuchi - Sayegusa; Planning Department Staff. Duke Nakamatsu, , Nani Sadora, Kaaina
Hull (entered at 1:29 p.m); Boards and Commissions Staff. Administrator Jay Furfaro (left at 2:30 p.m), Support Clerk Darcie Agaran
Excused
Karen Ono, Randall Blake
Absent
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Swearing In of
Prior to the start of the meeting, Council Administrative Assistant Eddie
Commissioners
Topenio gave the Oath of Office to reappointed Commission Members
Teddy Blake and Dorothea Hayashi,
Call To Order
With Chair Figaroa and Vice Chair Gegen running late, Deputy County
Attorney Jodi Higuchi - Sayegusa asked the Commissioners if they wanted to
make a motion to temporarily appoint a Chairperson to conduct the meeting
until the Chair or Vice Chair arrives.
Commissioner Dela Cruz moved to appoint
Commissioner T. Blake as pro tem Chair.
Commissioner Hayashi seconded the motion.
Motion carried 5:0
Chair pro tem T. Blake called the meeting to
order at 1:26 p.m. with five (5) Commissioners
present constituting a quorum.
The meeting resumed with a roll call of the Commissioners, Planning Staff,
and the Deputy County Attorney.
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Chair pro tem T. Blake noted that Item A on the agenda was taken up before
the meeting started. He also noted that Commissioner Dela Cruz was
recognized for her service on the Commission. Chair pro tern T. Blake
wanted to take a moment to thank Commissioner Dela Cruz for being a
guiding light for the new Commissioners and for steering the course for the
Commission.
Announcements
Ms. Sadora announced that they are the host of the Hawaii Congress of
Deputy Planning Director Kaaina Hull entered
Planning Officials (HCPO) this year. She stated that it will be held at the
the meeting at 1:29 p.m.
Grand Hyatt Kauai from September 21 through September 23, 2016. She
noted that the last HCPO held on Kauai was in 2011. Ms. Sadora stated that
the Department will probably make arrangements for all Commissioners to
attend this year, provided that it fits their schedule, since they are the host.
She noted that usually one (1) or two (2) Commissioners are able to attend
when the conference is held on the neighbor islands. Ms. Sadora added that
they are starting to receive the website registration information, and that a
formal flyer will be forwarded to the Commissioners so they can save the
date. She explained that the conference includes a series of sessions where
there will be plenary speakers. Ms. Sadora noted that the conference starts
from 8 o'clock in the morning and there will be evening dinner events that
include evening plenaries with guest speakers. She added that they will have
mobile tours on the opening day.
Approval of
Going back to Approval of Agenda, Chair pro tern T. Blake requested for a
Agenda
motion to approve the agenda.
Commissioner Japser moved to approve the
agenda. Commissioner Dela Cruz seconded the
motion. Motion carried 5:0
Approval of
E.1. Minutes of January 14, 2016
Meeting Minutes
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Chair pro tem T. Blake called for a motion to approve the meeting minutes
of January 14, 2016.
Commissioner Jasper moved to approve the
meeting minutes of January 14, 2016.
Commissioner Dela Cruz seconded the motion.
Motion carried 5:0
Receipt of Items
There were no items to receive for the record.
for the Record
Hearings and
Public Comment
G.1. New Public Hearing
a. Proposed amendments to Rules of Practice and Procedure of the
County of Kauai Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources
Preservation Fund Commission.
G.2. All remaining public testimony pursuant to HRS 92 (Sunshine Law)
Chair pro tem T. Blake called for any public testimony on any agenda item
to which there were none.
Chair pro tem T. Blake stated that he wanted to recuse himself from agenda
item H.1., but if he did, they wouldn't have quorum. He requested for a
motion to table Item H.1. to the later part of the meeting.
Commissioner Jasper moved to table Item H.1.
and take the item up later in the meeting.
Commissioner Kimura seconded the motion.
Motion carried 5:0
Chair pro tem T. Blake read Item G.1.a. for the record.
Deputy Planning Director Kaaina Hull noted that the draft rules that were
in front of the Commission were the exact rules that the Commission
reviewed in the prior Commission meeting. He explained that it was
officially taken to the Small Business Regulatory Review Board for their
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review and the Board was in approval of the draft rules, so now they were
holding the official public hearing. Mr. Hull added that if the
Commissioners wanted to discuss or propose any type of amendments, they
could do so.
Ms. Higuchi - Sayegusa noted that the draft rules were opened up and vetted
by the Commission at their January 14ffi meeting. She reiterated that it was
provided to the Small Business Regulatory Review Board for their review,
and that they were now in the formal public hearing process under Chapter
91. Ms. Higuchi - Sayegusa stated that the public notice was posted at
Council, at the Department, online, and published in the newspaper
pursuant to their rules and Chapter 91. She added that the hearing afforded
all interested parties to weigh in and the opportunity to submit data,
arguments, etc. to help shape the rules. Ms. Higuchi - Sayegusa stated that
as a result of the hearing, the Commission would have to decide if they
wanted to take action, which would be to move to adopt the rules. If the
Commission wanted to amend the rules in any way, they could have that
discussion. She also stated that the Commission could defer the item if
they felt they needed a little more time to make a decision. Ms. Higuchi-
Chair Figaroa entered the meeting at 1:36 p.m.
Sayegusa explained that after the rules are adopted by the Commission, the
rules would need to be approved by the Mayor. If the Mayor approves, the
rules become effective ten (10) days following the Mayor's approval. In
addition, Ms. Higuchi - Sayegusa noted that she and Mr. Hull will have to
correspond back with the Small Business Regulatory Review Board to
provide an update on the Commission's discussion.
Mr. Hull explained that the formal process would have been to provide the
draft rules to the Small Business Regulatory Review Board first, then it
would be brought to the Commission, and then they would hold the public
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hearing. He stated that they wanted to ensure that all of the issues were
vetted first, which is why it was semi - formally brought it to the
Commission in the past few months to make sure everyone was on the
same page before submitting it to the Small Business Regulatory Review
Board. Mr. Hull noted that it might have seemed confusing that they were
discussing the draft rules again, but it was the official public hearing for the
Commission to discuss the rules. He stated that they anticipated that the
Commission wouldn't have any problems with the draft rules because it
was vetted previously; however, the Commissioners were allowed to make
a motion for any amendments.
Chair pro tem T. Blake asked if it would be the appropriate time if the
Commission wanted to include something to which Mr. Hull replied yes.
Chair pro tem T. Blake asked how long it would take for a proposition to
be included in the rules to which Mr. Hull replied that it depends on the
proposal. Mr. Hull stated that if the proposal was non - substantive, then it
could potentially be acted upon immediately, but if there were substantial
changes, the County Attorney would determine if it would need to return to
Oahu for the Small Business Regulatory Review Board's review.
Chair pro tem T. Blake asked if the draft rules would need to return to
Oahu anyway to which Ms. Higuchi - Sayegusa replied that it would be
more of a correspondence back. Ms. Higuchi - Sayegusa stated that if there
were any major changes, she wasn't sure if it would need to be vetted
further. She added that the purpose of the meeting was to discuss any
potential amendments.
Mr. Hull noted that if Chair pro tem T. Blake had any proposed
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amendments, he could bring it up and Ms. Higuchi - Sayegusa could weigh
in on whether it would require further review and action by the Small
Business Regulatory Review Board.
Chair pro tem T. Blake inquired about forming a possible committee that
would be responsible for developing a list of the Commission's current
recommendations. The list would include information that is needed for
each recommendation to move forward. He felt that it would be a useful
tool to keep the Commissioners updated, especially when members of the
public question the Commissioners on specific recommendations.
Mr. Hull stated that the formation of a committee might require legislative
action. As an example, he noted that the Subdivision Committee of the
Planning Commission reviews subdivision proposals that are ultimately
forwarded to the Planning Commission for action. Mr. Hull stated that the
Subdivision Committee was established legislatively via an ordinance. He
explained that the "committee" would have to focus on a theme of some
sort, whether it be historic preservation projects, public access projects,
agricultural projects, etc. However, if the concern was on a specific
recommendation, Mr. Hull stated that the alternative course would be to
form a Permitted Interaction Group, or a PIG. He noted that it would allow
Commission members to discuss an agenda item offline and later report to
the Commission when it has reached fruition. Mr. Hull added that the
Commission could vote and form a PIG if they wanted to focus on Hoban,
or any other project.
Ms. Higuchi - Sayegusa confirmed that the ability to form a PIG was
provided for under HRS 92. She stated that the PIG would need to be less
than the amount of a quorum and the purpose of the PIG would need to be
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defined.
Ms. Higuchi - Sayegusa requested for Chair pro tern T. Blake to
acknowledge the arrival of Chair Figaroa and to formally turn the meeting
over to him.
Chair pro tem T. Blake announced the arrival of Chair Figaroa and turned
the meeting over to him.
Commissioner Hayashi asked if the Commission's Task Tracker would
suffice to Commissioner T. Blake's concerns.
Commissioner T. Blake stated that it would be easier if there was a
committee that was familiar with the projects and a template that would
show what information was missing in order to move forward with the
acquisition process.
Chair Figaroa thanked Commissioner T. Blake for sharing his concerns.
Chair Figaroa explained that he, personally, came to a point where he had
to remind himself that at the end of the day, the Commission acts in an
advisory capacity. He added that when it comes to projects moving
forward, the Commission can advocate for it with the current systems in
place, but it is ultimately up to the decision - makers, which are the Mayor
and Council.
Commissioner T. Blake stated that he was not trying to act as a clearing
house. He suggested to have a template that would help the Commission
prioritize their projects. Commissioner T. Blake noted that in looking at
the Commission's current report, it is hard to determine where each project
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is, so he felt that the template could point out the projects that are closer to
acquisition and the projects that would require more work.
Chair Figaroa thought that the Task Tracker would alleviate Commissioner
T. Blake's concerns. Commissioner T. Blake replied that it was fine if the
Commission already has something in place.
Mr. Hull stated that the proposed draft rules ultimately set up a reporting
process. He explained that the public would recommend a project and
shortly thereafter, the Department will draft a preliminary report on the
project. The preliminary report would include the basics of the location,
size, ownership, potential costs, anticipated costs, and if it is anticipated to
be a friendly or adversarial acquisition. Mr. Hull stated that if the
Commission decides that it is not a great project, it could potentially get
killed on that first preliminary report. However, if the Commission decides
that it is a project that they would like to move forward on, the project
would get the preliminary approval for Staff to take back and do further
investigation into what it would take for acquisition. Mr. Hull stated that
close to the end of the year, the preliminary reports would be folded into
the final report. He added that the various details of acquisition and the
Department's final recommendation for acquisition would be laid out in
each preliminary report. Mr. Hull noted that at any point in time during the
process, if the Department's further research concludes that it would be an
adversarial relationship in which the cost would far exceed the
commensurate amount of public good or public service, the Department
would return to the Commission with a secondary report of
recommendation to remove the project from the list. Likewise, if there are
particular properties that receive preliminary approval for which Ms.
Sadora is further investigating that the Commission would like an update
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on, she would return and report back to the Commission on exactly where
it is through this process. Mr. Hull stated that the report would be further
along than the initial recommendation, but it would not be quite at full
fruition. It would include further details that would need to be vetted prior
to final recommendation. Nonetheless, Mr. Hull felt that the process could
lend itself to speak to Commissioner T. Blake's concerns.
Commissioner Kimura asked if the Task Tracker is depleted with the
adoption of the draft rules. She stated that she shared the same concerns as
Commissioner T. Blake in not knowing the up -to- the - minute developments
and status of each project. Commissioner Kimura added that if that is the
means for the tracker, then it should be updated so the Commissioners can
speak to it.
Mr. Hull stated that technically the Task Tracker is not part of the draft
rules; however, the rules do not preclude the Department from providing
the Commission with the spreadsheet, essentially.
Commissioner Kimura stated that it was her understanding that they were
going to continue using the Task Tracker. She understood that it was going
to be cleaned up and pared down so that the Commissioners could
intelligently speak about any of the projects.
Chair Figaroa stated that he understood how Commissioners T. Blake and
Kimura felt because he felt the same way when he first served on the
Commission. Chair Figaroa noted that he took the initiative to educate
himself on each project so that he could provide answers when the public
would approach him with questions, and he encouraged the Commissioners
to do the same.
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Commissioner Kimura stated that it is more along the lines of what
piece(s) are missing from a possible acquisition to move forward.
Ms. Sadora stated that the Task Tracker was an informational tool to keep
the Commissioners apprised of the past discussions regarding potential
recommendations. She noted that the Task Tracker was created because
Commissioners were unable to recall the previous discussions when
recommendations were brought up after not being discussed for a couple of
months. Ms. Sadora explained that based on the current agenda items, she
felt the Commission wouldn't need the Task Tracker, which is why she
hasn't recently provided the Task Tracker. She stated that the Commission
can continue to use the Task Tracker, which will be kept current based on
what transpires from meeting to meeting. Ms. Sadora noted that it will be
provided to the Commissioners at every meeting as part of their meeting
packet so that they are always informed on the past discussions. She stated
that it should take care of Commissioner T. Blake's concerns.
Chair Figaroa stated that he thought having the Task Tracker available at
every meeting was a good idea, and he thanked Ms. Sadora for that
suggestion.
Commissioner Hayashi felt that it was important to have the Task Tracker
available at every meeting, especially for new Commissioners.
Ms. Sadora noted that if a Commissioner would like to discuss an item that
is included in the Task Tracker, s/he can bring it up and it can be included
on the next meeting's agenda.
Commissioner Kimura asked if the Small Business Regulatory Review
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Board had any input to which Mr. Hull replied that the Review Board had
more or less questions about the potential impact of the rules on Kaua`i's
small businesses. Mr. Hull responded to the Review Board by stating that
it lends further clarity to the process. He noted that there is a small
business potentially being impacted by one (1) of the recommendations for
which the new process could further clarify and allow for further standing
for that small business to potentially discuss and engage in the process.
Mr. Hull added that the Small Business Regulatory Review Board
requested for follow up as well from any small businesses after the public
hearing.
Commissioner T. Blake requested for an explanation on what needs to be
done regarding the Small Business Regulatory Review Board.
Ms. Higuchi - Sayegusa stated that under HRS, it is required that any rule
passed by any Board or Commission or Agency throughout the State needs
to be reviewed by the Small Business Regulatory Review Board for any
small business effects.
Commissioner Gegen entered the meeting at
2:00 p.m.
Commissioner T. Blake asked if SBA (Small Business Association) chimes
in on the rules to which Ms. Higuchi - Sayegusa replied just as far as the
small business effects.
Commissioner T. Blake asked how small business relates to the Open
Space Commission to which Mr. Hull replied that open space as a whole
can affect small businesses in the essence of if it's a business in tourism, if
it's a business providing services, etc. Mr. Hull stated that if the
Commission is looking at acquiring an area that impacts or is actually the
small business itself, then that would be another potential impact.
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Commissioner T. Blake asked how that impact would be reviewed by SBA
and if the Commission would "water down" historical and cultural sites
because there is an impact to a small business to which Mr. Hull replied
no. Mr. Hull explained that the draft rules lend further clarity for the
process whereby if a small business is impacted, they can succinctly review
the rules and see in which manner the recommendation is being made.
Ms. Higuchi- Sayegusa stated that the law also allows the Small Business
Regulatory Review Board to suggest any mitigation measures to be
reflected in any rule; however, they did not have any suggestions or
concerns with the draft rules.
Commissioner T. Blake reiterated that the Open Space Commission is an
advisory board. He questioned why the Small Business Regulatory Review
Board is going through the Open Space Commission when it should be
Council instead. Mr. Hull replied that the Small Business Regulatory
Review Board is just a necessary check and that it is required by law.
Ms. Higuchi - Sayegusa stated that the Commissioners needed to decide
whether to move forward and approve the rules, amend the rules, or defer
their decision, if they needed more time. She noted that the ideal motion
would be to adopt or amend the rules.
Commissioner Gegen apologized for his late arrival and asked if there was
a motion on the floor to which Ms. Higuchi - Sayegusa replied no.
Commissioner Gegen noted that he saw the addition of the timelines and
asked if there were any other revisions to which Mr. Hull replied no. Mr.
Hull stated that the Small Business Regulatory Review Board did not
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propose any additional amendments, nor did the Department. He reiterated
that if there were any amendments to be entertained, that would be the time
do so.
Commissioner Kimura asked if there was a provision for future
amendments to the rules to which Mr. Hull replied that the rules can be
amended at any time.
Commissioner Kimura stated that she thought there was a yearly or
quarterly review of the rules.
Mr. Hull reiterated that the Commissioners could propose amendments.
He assured the Commission that action on the draft rules would not
preclude any possibility of further amendments in the future.
Commissioner Gegen noted that on Page 3, Section 1 -5 -7 Subsection (c), it
references Sections 1 -5 -4 and 1 -5 -5; however, there was no Section 1 -5 -5
on Page 2, so Section 1 -5 -7 would need to be revised. He also suggested to
revise the Section number for Biennial Report to "1 -5 -5" to remain in
consecutive order.
Ms. Higuchi - Sayegusa stated that the section number for Prohibitive Factor
was deleted, which could be corrected.
Mr. Hull apologized and stated that he wouldn't recommend revising
Section 1 -5 -7. Instead, he noted that "1 -5 -5" should be included in front of
"Prohibitive Factor" on Page 2.
Commissioner Gegen asked if there was any timeline for the Department to
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provide an evaluation and recommendation for an acquisition under the
Dossier Recommendation Process.
Mr. Hull stated that he saw Commissioner Gegen's point in that he wanted
to ensure that a potential dossier project does not get log jammed at the
Department.
Commissioner Gegen thought that issue was resolved, but Mr. Hull
explained that they resolved the timeline on the public's recommendations.
Mr. Hull further explained that for public recommendations, there is a
timeline for the Department to provide the preliminary report within forty-
five (45) days. If it receives preliminary approval, the timeline requirement
on the Department would be the biennial report. The Department would
need to provide their final report to the Commission by the time the
biennial report is due. However, it is different for the dossier process
because there is no deadline. Mr. Hull stated that he didn't know how to
ensure that the Commission wouldn't have that log jam with the
Department while also ensuring that the Department would have adequate
time to provide a thorough review and analysis of the various intricacies of
acquisition.
Commissioner Gegen asked how thorough does it need to be before going
to Council. He stated that they want to forward the recommendation to
Council, inform Council of the process and that the Commission
anticipated for it to take a while.
Mr. Hull stated that the Department would want a recommendation to be
fully vetted prior to being forwarded to Council through the dossier
process. He added that they want to be able to inform Council that they
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have crossed every "t" and dotted every "i ", so the only thing that Council
would need to do is approve the monies. Mr. Hull noted that if a
recommendation is forwarded to Council without the full details of
acquisition, the recommendation would not move forward.
Mr. Hull requested additional time to draft some language that would speak
to Commissioner Gegen's concerns.
Commissioner Gegen stated that if the Commission proposes a
recommendation for acquisition through the dossier process, it would mean
that the Department would have done the due diligence on behalf of the
Commission. Therefore, he felt that it wasn't necessary for the Department
to request for a long period of time to provide their evaluation and
recommendation to the Commission.
Mr. Hull stated that Commissioner Gegen had a valid point. He added that
the Department will establish a time period with an escape clause that
would allow the Commission to extend additional time to the Department
should the Commission feel additional time is warranted. Mr. Hull noted
that he didn't have the specific language on hand.
In regards to one of the Commission's recommendations, Commissioner
Gegen mentioned that he would have felt more comfortable if the
Department had presented it to Council with the explanation that the
Department was not ready to weigh in and make their recommendation.
Commissioner Gegen stated that at least the Commission would have done
its job.
Mr. Hull stated that it was a point well taken, and he noted that the
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Department will draft some language to that effect. Mr. Hull added that the
Department did not have any objections and would be in support of that
type of language.
Mr. Hull stated that the Department would request a deferral to provide
additional language for Section 1 -5 -7, the Dossier Recommendation
Process.
Commissioner Gegen moved to defer this agenda
item to the next meeting. Commissioner Jasper
seconded the motion.
Discussion:
Mr. Hull announced to the Commission to bring forward any additional
amendments that they wanted the Department to work on.
Commissioner Gegen asked if they were allowed to send any amendments
to Ms. Sadora in the next couple of weeks to which Mr. Hull replied yes.
Ms. Higuchi- Sayegusa suggested to clarify for the record when the
anticipated decision on the rules will be so that the republication won't
have to be done.
Commissioner Gegen asked if the date should be included in the motion to
which Ms. Higuchi - Sayegusa replied yes.
Commissioner Jasper withdrew his second and
Commissioner Gegen withdrew his motion.
Commissioner Gegen moved to defer this agenda
item regarding rule making and final adoption of
the rules to the next Commission meeting on
April 14, 2016. Commissioner Jasper seconded
the motion. Motion carried 7:0
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Unfinished
Business (for
H.1. Review and discussion on 4.860 -acre archaeological parcel in Poipu
located at TMK: (4) 2 -8- 031 -199. (Deferred from 12/10/15 and 1/14/161
Action)
Commissioner T. Blake stated that he would like to recuse himself from
this agenda item.
Commissioner T. Blake left the meeting at 2:20
p.m.
Chair Figaroa noted for the record that Commissioner T. Blake recused
himself.
Commissioner Jasper asked if they were discussing the property next to
Brennecke's to which Ms. Sadora replied no. Chair Figaroa stated that the
property is in the new subdivision across from K61oa Landing. He added
that there is a historical site in that subdivision. Chair Figaroa explained
that they were in discussion about the site because the developer cannot
build on that parcel.
Ms. Sadora added that the Commission was entertaining the possibility of a
conservation easement instead of acquisition of this parcel, which was why
there has been a delay on any action to move forward. She noted that HILT
(Hawaiian Islands Land Trust) agreed to present and explain to the
Commission about conservation easements. Ms. Sadora stated that HILT's
representative had a conflict in her schedule, which was why she wasn't
present at the meeting. Ms. Sadora stated that the Executive Director for
HILT, Angela Anderson, will be present at the Commission's April 141'
meeting.
Mr. Hull clarified that due to Ms. Anderson previously being on one of the
County of Kaua`i's Commissions, she is not allowed to appear before any
Body to discuss a specific project. He explained that Ms. Anderson will
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provide an overall background on what HILT does and what they can do in
partnership with the Commission.
Commissioner Gegen asked if there was any additional information and if
there were any discussions between the nonprofit organization and the
landowner. Ms. Sadora replied that the Commission's last acquisition plan
stated that they were going to engage in contacting the landowner.
However, she thought it was decided that they needed to understand the
desire of the Commission first, whether it be a conservation easement or
acquisition, before reaching out to anyone.
Chair Figaroa asked if the Commission has already explored the
conservation easement option for this parcel to which Ms. Sadora replied
no. Ms. Sadora stated the Commission was waiting for the presentation
from HILT.
Chair Figaroa suggested to defer this item, and he asked if Ms. Anderson
will be available at the next meeting to which Ms. Sadora replied that Ms.
Anderson is confirmed to be at the April 14'h meeting.
Commissioner Gegen moved to defer this agenda
item as Unfinished Business to the April 14''
meeting. Commissioner Kimura seconded the
motion. Motion carried 6:0
Chair Figaroa called for a 5- minute recess.
The Commission recessed this portion of the
meeting at 2:27 p.m.
New Business
(for Action)
I.1. Planning Department's Request for Reconsideration of the 2015 Report
Commissioner T. Blake returned to the meeting.
Administrator Furfaro left the meeting at 2:30
to the Kauai County Council and the Mayor.
p.m.
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Chair Figaroa called the meeting back to order.
The Commission reconvened this portion of the
meeting at 2:34 p.m.
Chair Figaroa asked if they are reconsidering the report to which Ms.
Sadora replied yes. She apologized for not being present at the January
meeting to provide clarification on some items prior to the Commission's
review and decision for the report to become a final document.
Ms. Sadora stated that the Commission needed to review and reconsider
the information on Page 3 regarding the Evslin Property, as well as the
information on Page 13. She noted that there wasn't any information in the
previous report that was approved because she wasn't sure what the
Commission wanted to include.
Chair Figaroa noted that he liked the beginning portion of the write up. He
suggested to add that the Commission researched and concluded that
Davidson's Beach could be used as the main access.
Commissioner Hayashi asked if they parked by Davidson's when they went
on their field trip to which Commissioner Dela Cruz replied that
Davidson's is where people surf.
Commissioner Gegen asked if there was specific language that Chair
Figaroa wanted to include to which he replied yes, but he needed to decide
on the correct language.
Commissioner Gegen noted that he was happy to make a motion on behalf
of Chair Figaroa.
Chair Figaroa asked if he would decide on the language on his own time to
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March 10, 2016
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which Ms. Sadora replied that the report is ready to be printed and
circulated as the Commission's final report, so it would be great if they
could decide on the additional language.
For the Commissioners that didn't attend the field trip, Ms. Sadora
explained that Mamo Road was where the bus was parked and where they
walked out, which is actually a beach access. She noted that the Evslin
Property was a distance away.
Chair Figaroa asked if it was approximately 100 feet away to which
Commissioner Gegen replied yes.
Commissioner T. Blake felt that further explanation wasn't necessary
because the Commission was no longer actively pursuing the property.
Chair Figaroa stated that he wanted to explain because Council will
question why it was no longer active. He wanted to clarify that the
Commission reviewed all of the options. Chair Figaroa thought that it was
important to reference the State parcel that is there.
Chair Figaroa called for a 5- minute recess.
The Commission recessed this portion of the
meeting at 2:45 p.m.
Chair Figaroa called the meeting back to order.
The Commission reconvened this portion of the
Chair Figaroa suggested that the second paragraph on Page 13 for the
meeting at 2:50 p.m.
Evslin Property should read as follows:
"This property is bordered to the north of Kaumuali`i Highway in
Kekaha with existing residential lots to the east and west, along with a
Public Access, Open Space & Natural Resources
Preservation Fund Commission
Regular Open Session
March 10, 2016
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parcel belonging to the State of Hawaii adjacent to the parcel. This
property was first listed as a recommendation on the Open Space
Report in 2009. This recommendation for acquisition as one of the last
remaining makai vacant properties was discussed and reviewed by the
Commission, and due to the current access location approximately 100
feet east of the proposed parcel, it was considered a major liability. The
landowner came before the Commission in 2014 as a willing landowner
to consider purchase of this privately held parcel for public shoreline
access, cultural site protection and preservation of open space."
Commissioner Gegen moved to adopt the report
as written with one (1) modification as read.
Commissioner Dela Cruz seconded the motion.
Chair Figaroa asked if there was any discussion in regards to the amended
language to which there were none.
Ms. Sadora explained that the template used for their 2015 report was the
template from the 2013 report. She stated that the 2011 report was
referenced on Page 6 of their current report. Ms. Sadora noted that the
current report referenced prior years on Pages 7 and 10 as well. She asked
Mr. Hull left the meeting at 2:54 p.m.
if the Commissioners wanted to leave the report as -is, replace the specified
years with "past reports ", or remove the statements.
Chair Figaroa suggested to remove the statements.
Mr. Hull returned to the meeting at 2:55 p.m.
Commissioner Gegen moved to amend the
motion to include the removal of the statements
referencing the prior years' reports.
Commissioner Dela Cruz seconded the motion.
Public Access, Open Space & Natural Resources
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Regular Open Session
March 10, 2016
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Discussion:
Chair Figaroa reiterated that the statements that reference prior years'
reports on Pages 6, 7, and 10 of the current report would be removed.
With no further discussion, Chair Figaroa called for a vote on the
amendment.
Motion carried 7:0
Chair Figaroa called for a vote on the main motion as amended.
Motion carried 7:0
Ms. Higuchi - Sayegusa stated that in discussions with Commissioner
Kimura, Commissioner Kimura had something to share with the
Commission.
Commissioner Kimura stated that in regards to Kaluanono and Halulu
Fishpond Access at Waipa on Page 2 of the report, she will be recusing
herself from future discussions on those properties. She noted that she
voted for it when representatives from Waipa and the Trust for Public
Lands presented to the Commission back in April 2015; however, she was
unaware at the time that those two (2) parcels, TMK: (4) 5 -6- 004:010 and
017, were her family's kuleana land. Commissioner Kimura stated that she
will be defending her family's kuleana rights. Therefore, she will have to
recuse herself from future discussions.
Next Meeting
Chair Figaroa announced the next meeting date is Thursday, April 14,
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 items G.1. and H.1. will be agenda topics
for the next meeting on April 141n
Public Access, Open Space & Natural Resources
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March 10, 2016
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Ms. Sadora stated that the Commission will probably need New Business
for the presentation of the report to Council.
Mr. Hull stated that there was discussion regarding the Department briefing
the Commission on the differentiation between Open Space, Open Zoning,
Special Treatment Open District and density, and its relationship or lack
thereof with the Commission's duties. He added that it will probably be a
10- to 15- minute discussion on how the Open Zone works, how the Open
Space Commission works in relation to it, how the Special Treatment Open
Designation works, as well as the effect that densities in those respective
areas have on the cost of acquisition. Mr. Hull noted that the Commission
can set it as a future meeting agenda item.
Ms. Sadora stated that Ms. Anderson's presentation on the conservation
easement will be added to the agenda as well.
Mr. Hull apologized for coming in late to the meeting, but he stated that the
Commissioners may have noticed that the Commission is becoming more
formalized with parliamentary procedures. He noted that for a long time,
the Commission, as well as other Commissions, have operated in a much
more informal process in which they can speak freely and speak their
minds. Mr. Hull stated that Ms. Higuchi - Sayegusa is getting a bit more
involved in injecting how motions are made and sometimes Administrator
Furfaro will speak up as well, which is at the request of the Department.
Mr. Hull stated that the Department understands and acknowledges that, to
a certain degree, the Department has neglected the Commission, as well as
another Commission, and they are trying to reorganize themselves and
realize that there are priorities that need to be met. He added that the
Department intends, through the formal rule making process and some of
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their commitments, to hopefully begin forward process in acquisitions.
Mr. Hull stated that in doing so, they must realize that they are formal
acquisitions that will take place through County Council action. He noted
that in order to have a formal record, particularly if it is an adversarial
acquisition, they need to have very clear standards under which those
recommendations are made. Mr. Hull apologized for formalizing a bit
more than the Commission may be comfortable with, but that is ultimately
the purpose for it.
Lastly, Mr. Hull wanted to sincerely thank Commissioner Dela Cruz for
her service on behalf of the Department. He apologized for any frustration
that she may have had. Mr. Hull stated that it was sad that Commissioner
Dela Cruz was leaving at this juncture because he thinks that the
Commission is folding over a new leaf in which they are going to embark
on a new journey. He added that maybe in a year or so she will be called
upon to serve again.
Commissioner Dela Cruz thanked everyone. She stated that she enjoyed
the year with the new Commissioners. Commissioner Dela Cruz suggested
that the Commission move forward and she hopes that they can complete
another acquisition.
With no further business, Chair Figaroa adjourned the meeting.
Adjournment
Chair Figaroa adjourned the meeting at 3:06 p.m.
Submitted by:
Agaran, Staff Support Clerk
Reviewed and Approved by:
Joseph Figaroa, Chair
Public Access, Open Space & Natural Resources
Preservation Fund Commission
Regular Open Session
March 10, 2016
() Approved as circulated
() Approved as amended. See minutes of meeting.
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