Legislative Approvals and Aquisitions Committee - 2026-05-04
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
The Legislative Approvals and Acquisitions Committee unanimously approved Resolution 552-26 authorizing acquisition of a 1.26-acre conservation easement at Kokuakela Kealakekua in South Kona, partnering with Ho'ala Kealakekua Nui for community stewardship of the culturally significant property near Kealakekua Bay. The committee also approved Resolution 503-26 accepting dedication of a roadway lot in Pepe'ekeo and closed file on Communication 864 regarding 2026 stewardship grants for PONC-acquired lands.
Key Decisions (3)
Conservation Easement Acquisition at Kokuakela Kealakekua
Resolution 552-26 authorized the Director of Finance to negotiate acquisition of a conservation easement over approximately 1.26 acres at Tax Map Keys 81009007 and 008 in Kawaloa, South Kona. Trust for Public Land will purchase the property and transfer it to Ho'ala Kealakekua Nui, with the County holding the conservation easement. The project has $700,000 in matching funds from the state Legacy Land Conservation Program and was ranked #1 by the PONC Commission.
Roadway Lot Dedication at Pepe'ekeo
Resolution 503-26 accepted dedication of roadway Lot 782, a portion of Tax Map Key 28007085, in Pepe'ekeo, South Hilo District. The roadway connects Old Mamalahoa to Highway 19 and will be dedicated for public road purposes.
2026 Stewardship Grants for PONC Lands - File Closed
Communication 864 presented Finance Department recommendations for 2026 stewardship grants for county lands acquired through the Public Access Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Fund. Nine applications were received; five were recommended for funding. Some transportation-related costs were removed as not allowable per charter and code.
Development Activity (1)
Kokuakela Kealakekua Conservation Project
1.26-acre conservation easement acquisition for cultural education, interpretation, and community-based stewardship. Property sits mauka of Ka'aveloa Trailhead (Captain Cook Monument Trail). Will serve as gateway to Kealakekua Bay State Park and Marine Life Conservation District.
Market Signals (2)
Other
Kealakekua Bay area experiences approximately 1.3 million annual visitors and 65,000 people using the Captain Cook Monument Trail annually, indicating significant tourism pressure on South Kona coastal resources.
Infrastructure
County PONC program receives 2% of real property taxes for land acquisition and 0.25% for maintenance, with ongoing efforts to improve stewardship program management and develop management plans for acquired properties.