On behalf of the Commission and County staff, Aloha 2023

In preparation for its Annual Report to the Mayor, the commission will be conducting fact-finding site visits, research, and interviews on nominated properties or easements from the 2023 Suggestion Forms. These forms are due by January 31, 2023, at 4:30 p.m. Scan the QR Code for the form. In addition, the commission will make recommendations to the Department of Finance for each Stewardship Grant application received by August 31, 2023, at 4:30 p.m. We encourage all qualifying non-profits to apply. 

Note about the pictures. Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricate) is threatened by the loss of nesting and feeding habitats, excessive egg collection, fishery-related mortality, pollution, and coastal development. Despite their current protection under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and many national laws, there is still a disturbingly large amount of illegal trade in hawksbill shells and products. Crested Honeycreeper (Palmeria dolei) or more locally known as Akohekohe, is the largest bird of their kind. These native Hawaiian birds have primarily dark black plumage, and their orange and silver accents make them more majestic. This specific type of Honeycreeper feeds on the Ohia tree, some other flowering plants, fruits, and insects. Biologists have noted that the population of Crested Honeycreepers has drastically dropped in the last few decades, leaving only an estimated 3,800 birds. Their small number in population got them enlisted as one of the endangered species.

Click here for: AGENDA for January 9, 2023

To access information regarding the Commission or the Preservation Program, please click here: Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Program.

Written Testimony:  The Commission encourages the public to submit thoughts, comments, and input via written testimony. To ensure timely delivery to its members prior to the meeting testimonies must be received no later than 12:00 noon (County time clock) on Thursday, January 5, 2023, by (1) email to ponctestimony@hawaiicounty.gov, (2) facsimile to (808) 961-8248; or (3) mail to the PONC Commission in Hilo at 25 Aupuni Street, Suite 1101, Hilo, Hawai‘i, 96720. Please submit separate testimony for each item.

VACANCIES: Beginning January 1, 2023, a vacancy in District 4. If interested, please apply here: Boards and Commission Application