THE COUNTY OF HAWAI`I PUBLIC ACCESS, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Commission invites Ka`u residents to propose properties that should be purchased and preserved for open space. Suggestions are due by June 30 and may be included in the commission’s annual prioritized list and report to the mayor. Commissioners review suggestions 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 Hawai`i County Council, which adopts resolutions to authorize property purchases. Past open space purchases total 1,249 acres, including Kawa oceanfront parcels. PONC funds are derived from two percent 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 maintain properties that are acquired with PONC funds. Forms to suggest properties can be downloaded from the County of Hawai`i website, hawaiicounty.gov/boards-and-commissions, or obtained at 25 Aupuni Street, Suite 1101 in Hilo. For further information, contact Alexandra Kelepolo, of County of Hawai`i Property Management Division, at 961-8069.
Posted on: Sat, 15 Mar 2014 03:53:10 +0000