HPP Park on Finance Committee Agenda

File photo.

On Tuesday, Jan. 5, the Hawai’i County Council will hear public testimony on Resolution No. 360-16 involving the acceptance of donated land for a Hawaiian Paradise Park public park.

County Council member Greggor Ilagan, who introduced the resolution, is seeking public support for a proposed amendment, Communication No. 592.1, to the resolution that would have the county return the land to the Hawaiian Paradise Park Owners Association if a plan for the park is not completed within two years.

The council’s Finance Committee is slated to discuss the resolution and the amendment during its committee meeting.

Located at the corner of Kaloli Drive and 26^th Street in the HPP subdivision, the 20-acre parcel proposed to be turned into a park is envisioned to be built in phases, according to Councilman Ilagan.

Ilagan says the amendment introduced addresses concerns from community members that after the County takes possession of the parcel, nothing would be done with it.

Funds for the planning and design of the park have already been approved by the Council.

“This is one of many steps that need to be taken for a County park in Hawaiian Paradise Park,” Councilman Ilagan said. “Council members should hear from you why this is needed.”
Oral testimony will be accepted at the start of the committee meeting in Hilo or at videoconference sites such as in Pahoa.

The resolution will need to be approved by the Council to get the land acquisition process moving. Depending on what happens at the Jan. 5 meeting, the final vote may come as early as Jan. 22.