Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Conservation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee recommends finance negotiations for 68.84‑acre Kona parcel to preserve open space
Summary
The Legislative Approvals and Acquisitions Committee voted 6–3 on July 23 to forward Resolution 561‑24 to the full council, authorizing the director of finance to enter negotiations to acquire roughly 68.84 acres in North Kona using the Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Fund (PONC) for cultural, environmental and flood‑risk protection.
The Legislative Approvals and Acquisitions Committee voted 6–3 on July 23 to recommend that the full Hawaii County Council authorize the director of finance to enter negotiations to acquire or obtain a conservation easement for approximately 68.84 acres in the Ho'oloa District of North Kona under Resolution 561-24.
The resolution, introduced by Councilmember Villegas, directs the finance director to pursue acquisition options for parcels identified by tax map keys "762116 and 17" using the Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Fund (PONC). Committee staff said the parcel is listed as priority number 8 in PONC’s 2022 annual report and that the county seeks to protect cultural and natural resources while opening portions for education, gathering and cultural practice.
Supporters who testified during the public comment period told the committee they feared flood risk, loss of cultural sites and habitat degradation if the land were developed. Janice Palma Glenney of Kailua Kona said, “I support and appreciate resolution 561‑24 being brought forth by Council Rep Villegas with the intention to protect this parcel of land from development for the benefit of the public and for the future of our keiki.” Maki Morinoy, testifying for Hulipank, described multi‑generational flood history on the Ahupua'a of Holualoa and said the land is important for water recharge and cultural connections.
Speaking for the resolution, Councilmember Villegas said the measure is not an approval of purchase but a preparation to act if the landowner becomes willing to sell: “This is not anti development. This is not anti housing. This is recognizing this particular piece of property based on floodplains.” Property manager Juan Ventura described the step as part of the continuous PONC process and said it authorizes officials to evaluate and enter negotiations if a willing seller exists.
Several council members sought clarity on funding and legal constraints. Council members asked whether PONC funds are available now and whether recorded land‑use conditions or deed restrictions could require affordable housing or otherwise limit acquisition. Corporation Counsel Elizabeth Strantz said she had not reviewed the deed and would research whether restrictions exist and provide a legal memorandum to the committee.
The committee held a roll-call vote. The clerk recorded votes as: Evans (Aye), Galimba (No), Kagiwara (Aye), Kalei Kleinfelder (Aye), Kirkowitz (No), Kimball (No), Leroy (No), Villegas (Aye); the committee reported six in favor and three opposed. The motion to forward Resolution 561‑24 to council with a favorable recommendation carried.
Next steps: the item will go to the full county council for consideration; the resolution, if approved by council and if a willing seller emerges, would authorize the finance director to enter negotiations but would not by itself complete a purchase or effect any taking of land.
