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THE SENATE |
S.R. NO. |
46 |
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TWENTY-EIGHTH LEGISLATURE, 2016 |
S.D. 1 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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SENATE RESOLUTION
REQUESTING the DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES TO ENGAGE IN EARNEST NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE CURRENT LAND OWNERS OF the MAKAI LANDS OF KAPUA TO ACQUIRE THOSE LANDS ON BEHALF OF THE STATE OR TO LEASE THOSE LANDS IN PERPETUITY ON BEHALF OF THE STATE.
WHEREAS, the makai lands of Kapua in south Kona on the island of Hawaii are a scenic wonder with breathtaking shoreline views and comprise at least 6,000 privately owned acres in south Kona that are classified as agricultural or conservation land; and
WHEREAS, Kapua is sparsely populated and evokes strong emotions stemming from its rich heritage, culture, and history of Native Hawaiian practices; and
WHEREAS, the makai lands contain significant historical, archaeological, and cultural resources, including a hōlua slide, ancient coastal trail, village sites, and superb biological resources including native dryland forests and Native Hawaiian plants; and
WHEREAS, according to the Department of Land and Natural Resources, the makai lands include four parcels that cover over 7,780 acres of land within the agricultural and conservation state land use districts, including two parcels that sit next to the Manukā Natural Area Reserve, which is the State's largest natural area reserve and is part of the South Kona Wilderness Area created by Act 178, Session Laws of Hawaii 2011; and
WHEREAS, the State should seek to acquire the makai lands of Kapua in the interests of preserving the area's pristine condition for future generations while ensuring the preservation of agricultural and conservation lands in the area; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Twenty-eighth Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2016, that the Department of Land and Natural Resources is requested to engage in earnest negotiations with the current land owners of the makai lands of Kapua to acquire those lands on behalf of the State or to lease those lands in perpetuity on behalf of the State; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a certified copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the Chairperson of the Board of Land and Natural Resources.
Lands of Kapua; DLNR