At its Sept. 6 meeting the Council adopted Resolution 13-97 approving the $5.2 million acquisition of 209 acres in Kahului for a proposed park, base yard facility, and other County purposes.
Committee Report 13-102 noted that the purchase of the subject property had an appropriation in the FY 2014 Budget from the Open Space Fund, wherein a base yard would be inconsistent with the Fund’s purpose.
In his remarks, Committee Chair Don Guzman acknowledged the need to purchase the property now to ensure that the County has adequate park and recreational facilities in the future. He reminded the body of Corporation Counsel’s advice that the fund may later be reimbursed should the Administration decide to continue with the base yard proposal.
The Council adopted the proposed Resolution 9-0.
Meanwhile, the Budget and Finance Committee did not take any action at its Sept. 3 meeting on the Mayor’s proposed acquisition of a 186-acre parcel in Launiupoko.
“This is a ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ opportunity,” Councilmember Michael Victorino said.
Budget and Finance Committee Chair Mike White requested further consideration of the accuracy of the appraisal for the $13 million price tag of the property.
In other news, Council approved the discharge of two bills relating to tree protection, from the Planning Committee. The bills, authored by Council Vice-Chair Robert Carroll, will be considered in the Land Use Committee.
Council Vice-Chair Carroll explained the purpose of the first of a trio of tree protection bills in a May 26, 2013 Chair’s 3 Minutes article.
The other two bills included proposals to define ‘significant trees’ within a historic district, and measures protecting ‘parking lot trees.’
Council considered a bill to rename the Nahiku Community Center to the David Kanaloa Kaho’okele Jr. Nahiku Community Center. Council referred the bill to the Economic Development, Energy, Agriculture and Recreation Committee, chaired by Councilmember Guzman.
Other communications referred to Council committees include a resolution approving and authoring the execution of park assessment agreement for Ke Alii Kai II subdivision in Kihei; an inquiry on vendor licenses regarding safety and cleanliness due to the proliferation of food trucks; and a report on the effectiveness of the plastic bag ban.
The Infrastructure and Environmental Management Committee, chaired by Councilmember Elle Cochran anticipates a presentation on solid waste management policies, programs, and technologies.
Heading to the Planning Committee are proposed amendments to zoning districts relating to apartments, two-family duplexes, and hotel districts.
The Policy and Intergovernmental Affairs Committee received a referral from the Mayor to dissolve the Maui County Commission on Culture and the Arts. The communication noted that the Commission’s purpose is no longer relevant since its transfer to the Office of Economic Development. The Cost of Government Commission also recommended its dissolution.
Lastly, members of the Napili Canoe Club were recognized today for capturing the 2013 Division A Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association State Championship held Aug. 3 in Hanalei, Kauai.
Councilmember Cochran noted that, “the group works hard to ensure safety for our children in the community.”
Bills passed on first reading include:
Bill 62 (2013) – Budget amendment relating to the Affordable Housing Fund, by revising the proviso for the Kulamalu Affordable Housing Project.
Bill 63 (2013) – Budget amendment to adjust personnel count in programs within the Department of Housing and Human Concerns.
Bill 64 (2013) – Budget amendment to appropriate funds for the West Maui Recycled Water System Expansion, Phase 1B.
Bill 65 (2013) – Bill authorizing the Mayor to enter into an intergovernmental agreement to finance the West Maui Recycled Water System Expansion, Phase 1B.
Bill 66 (2013) – Bill to repeal a section in the Maui County Code relating to mobile electronic devices.
Bill 67 (2013) – Permitting Transient Vacation Rentals (TVRs) in planned developments on or before April 20, 1981.
Bill 68 (2013) – To extend deadline to enact a water conservation plan to Aug. 29, 2014.
Bill 61 (2013) Draft 1 – Relating to change in zoning for the Kihei Veterinary Clinic.
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