THE SENATE	S.R. NO.	133
TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2007
STATE OF HAWAII

SENATE RESOLUTION

requesting the department of land and natural resources to assess the FEASIBILITY of acquiring property near the isaac hale beach park and pohoiki boat ramp in puna, Hawaii.

     WHEREAS, Isaac Hale (Pohoiki) Beach Park is owned and managed by the County of Hawaii, and is a popular place for swimming and snorkeling when the water is calm, and is considered one of the best surf spots ("Pohoiki Surf Break") on the Puna coast; and

     WHEREAS, the Pohoiki Hot Spring or "warm pond", which is located within the park is a popular place for visitors to enjoy a soak in its ninety-eight degree waters while taking in a view of the ocean; and

     WHEREAS, the Pohoiki Boat Ramp is the only launching facility located on the Puna coast at Pohoiki Bay within the Isaac Hale (Pohoiki) Beach Park; and

     WHEREAS, the Department of Land and Natural Resources owns the boat ramp, which is the Department's sole holding in the entire bay area, and is the only access to the ocean for boating and swimming within the park area; and

     WHEREAS, the landowners of the nearby property adjacent to Isaac Hale Beach Park have expressed interest in selling a one acre plot of their parcel (tax key map number 1-3-08:34) near the Pohoiki Boat Ramp and includes a portion of the lot on the Hilo-side of the Hale House and the Pohoiki Hot Spring; and

     WHEREAS, although the County of Hawaii has expressed interest in acquiring the property, a firm commitment has not been made for the acquisition; and

     WHEREAS, currently, members of the public use this portion of the land to park their vehicles and gain access to the park and boat ramp; now, therefore,

     BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Twenty-fourth Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2007, the Department of Land and Natural Resources is requested to assess the feasibility of and explore the Puna community sentiment regarding the Department acquiring the one acre plot of land that is adjacent to the Isaac Hale Beach Park; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Land and Natural Resources submit a written report to this body of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the 2008 Regular Session; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that if the Department of Land and Natural Resources decides to acquire the one acre plot after the completion of its study, the Department shall acquire the one acre plot as land having value as a resource to the State under chapter 173A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, and use funds from the Land Conservation Fund under section 173A-5, Hawaii Revised Statutes, for the acquisition; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Chairperson of the Board of Land and Natural Resources, and the landowners of tax key map number 1-3-08:34.

OFFERED BY:

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Report Title: 

DLNR Land Acquisition; Pohoiki Boat Ramp; Isaac Hale Beach Park