Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resource Preservation Commission Seeks Suggestions for Lands to be Permanently Preserved
Do you know of a special property in Hawai‘i County that should be permanently preserved? The County of Hawai‘i Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Commission (PONC) is seeking suggestions from the public regarding lands that should be preserved because of cultural or historic significance.
Properties might qualify for preservation because they offer opportunities for education, public access to beaches or mountains, and outdoor recreation. Such nominations for preservation could be beaches, coastal areas, forests, places of natural beauty or involve the protection of natural resources lands and watersheds for general benefits to the public. Suggestion forms mailed or email must be received by Friday, February 28, 2020 at 4:30 p.m.
To obtain a form to suggest properties, copy the address shown at the end of this notice in your web browser or mail your request for a form at County of Hawai‘i Property Management Division, 25 Aupuni Street, Suite 1101, Hilo, HI 96720.
The PONC funds are derived from 2% of Hawai‘i County’s annual real property tax revenues. Our most recent acquisition is a Conservation Easement of 2,289.105 acres in Waikapuna, Ka’u, Hawai’i. The property contains numerous archaeological and cultural features and is home to many endangered and rare species. It encompasses 2.3 miles of coastline that includes the ancient Alaloa footpath, and is currently used by local fishers; Native Hawaiian descendants and gatherers of natural and marine resources for subsistence; recreational and cultural purposes.
The Commission meets every other month at the Hilo County Building or the West Hawai’i Civic Center, where public testimony is welcome. For further information, please contact Maxine Cutler, Property Management Division, at (808) 961-8069.
