Policy committee forwards Bill 85 to add Parcel 20 to Kipapa Park

The Policy Committee on Health, Safety and Well-Being voted Thursday to forward Bill 85 to the Hawaii County Council with a favorable recommendation to add Parcel 20 to the county parks schedule for Kipapa Park, the committee chair said.

The chair told the committee the change would add Parcel 20 to the county code entry for Kipapa Park, which currently lists a single parcel (Parcel 100). "I'm just adding in Parcel 20 to the list on the county code," the chair said, explaining that Parcel 20 includes a parking lot and adjoining open space that Parks and Recreation helps maintain. The amendment was introduced to address a family's request that the parcel be formally included in the park listing.

Staff read the ordinance caption during the meeting, saying Bill 85 would amend chapter 15, article 8, section 15-68.1 of the Hawaii County Code (2016 edition, as amended) "relating to parks." Staff noted the ordinance was introduced by Councilmember Onishi.

The chair also described a brief confusion about the park's recorded spelling and said family members had helped clarify the name during discussions. The chair referenced the spelling term transcribed as "Kahakou" while discussing the record and said the clarification allowed the item to move forward.

A committee member noted the park's local location near Magic Sands in Kona and signaled support for forwarding the measure at the family's request. The chair called for a voice vote; the committee recorded eight "ayes." The chair stated the result as eight in favor with Kanieli Kleinfelder excused, and the committee forwarded Bill 85 to the full council with a favorable recommendation.

The meeting ended at about 9:05 a.m.