LIHU‘E — The Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Fund Commission extended the deadline for its annual survey to July 15, a county press release states. The public is encouraged to participate in the survey and make suggestions
LIHU‘E — The Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Fund Commission extended the deadline for its annual survey to July 15, a county press release states.
The public is encouraged to participate in the survey and make suggestions as to what lands or property entitlements, like accessways, the County should consider purchasing or otherwise acquiring.
“We want and need to hear from more people,” said Open Space Commission Chairperson Roger Caires in the release. “The survey is the main way that the County learns about people’s hopes and concerns about accessways to the mountains, beaches and other places they would like to see remain undeveloped because of their natural and cultural importance.”
The survey can be accessed and completed online at www.kauai.gov/OpenSpaceSurvey. Paper copies of the survey are also available at any public library or neighborhood center or at the Planning Department.
Ideas expressed in the survey will be incorporated in the Open Space Commission’s annual report to the County Council on which sites should be acquired using the Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Fund.
“The survey also creates an inventory of suggested acquisitions as both new ideas and well as those listed repeatedly are duly noted in the commission’s report, which is one of the reasons why it’s important for people to take the survey every year,” said Caires in the release.
Recently, the County Council and Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. approved the use of $1.85 million from the Open Space fund for the acquisition of a parcel on Hanalei Bay for the expansion of Black Pot Beach Park.
“The Commission is so gratified by the decision of the Council and Mayor Carvalho to commit money to expanding Black Pot Beach Park,” said Caires, adding that funding from federal and state agencies along with private donations will be pooled for the purchase.
Expansion of this well-used county park has been a priority recommendation in all three of the Open Space Commission’s annual reports to the County Council.
For more information, please contact the Planning Department at 241-4050. Completed surveys can be faxed to the Planning Department at 241-6699, dropped off or mailed to the County of Kaua‘i Planning Department, Open Space Commission, 4444 Rice Street, Suite 473A, Lihu‘e, HI 96766.
