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Committee forwards resolution to negotiate county purchase of 81.19 acres on Hamakua Coast
Summary
A Hawaii County Council committee voted to forward Resolution 95-25 to the full council with a positive recommendation to begin negotiations to acquire about 81.19 acres on the Hamakua Coast for public access, cultural uses and natural-resource preservation.
A Hawaii County Council committee voted to forward Resolution 95-25 to the full council with a positive recommendation to begin negotiations for the county to acquire roughly 81.19 acres on the Hamakua (North Hilo) coast to protect cultural and natural resources and open portions of the property for education and gathering.
The resolution, introduced by Councilmember Kimball, would authorize the director of finance to enter negotiations for acquisition of all or part of two parcels identified by Tax Map Keys 270110001 and 27010027 in the Kapainui and Onomea districts of South Hilo using the Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation (PONC) fund. "The owners are willing to work with us," Councilmember Kimball said during the committee meeting, describing an urgency because the parcels are on the market and the county needs to signal seriousness to deter private offers.
Supporters who testified before the committee said the property provides scarce public access to ocean shoreline, habitat value and opportunities for community subsistence. John Hamilton, a resident testifying in favor of the purchase, said the site has long served as a recreational area: "We don't want it commercially developed or broken up into small residential lots," he said, adding that the gulch and swimming hole are widely used by families and students. Janet Snyder, a retired county employee, urged the committee to preserve access "in perpetuity," and Arthur Roberts, a retired high school teacher, said the site offers educational opportunities for students.
Dylan Crawford, secretary of the Maka'analoa Fishing Association, described the association's stewardship role and local fishing uses. "We represent about 40 fishing families in the Hilo community," Crawford said, adding that the association holds regular stewardship days and would work with the county on a management plan. He also noted ecological value, citing a previous study of a native damselfly that indicates the estuary's low pollution levels.
Committee members asked about potential uses of upland hardwoods and the limits on commercial activity. Malia Kikai, Deputy Director of Finance, said the county would examine deed language and appraisal details during negotiations and that she did not believe commercial sale of timber would be allowed. Earlier in the discussion a committee member cited the county charter as prohibiting commercial sale of hardwoods from PONC-acquired parcels; the committee clarified that material could be used for on-site or community purposes but not sold as a commercial product.
The committee heard that the Maka'analoa Fishing Association and an accompanying land trust have already raised funds toward purchase: Councilmember Kimball said the group has secured $1 million through a land-trust contribution. Committee members also discussed PONC maintenance funding: county staff said PONC includes an annual accrual—up to $3 million—that can be used to support stewardship and maintenance of acquired parcels.
Finance staff told the committee they are prepared to begin standard next steps if the council directs them to proceed, including appraisals and negotiation work. The committee voted to forward Resolution 95-25 to the full council with a positive recommendation. The committee vote was recorded as six ayes and three members excused; the resolution will next be considered by the full Hawaii County Council.
