The purpose of the Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Program has two main focus areas. The focus areas are 1) facilitating the process of eligible properties for acquisition using the Preservation Fund “The Fund”, and 2) managing these properties with the Preservation Maintenance Fund, “PM Fund.” The authority of this program can be found in the Hawaiʻi County Code, Chapter 2, Article 42. 

The Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Commission (PONC) is a commission formed to assist in the process. The Commission’s purpose:

•  Priorities shall be listed on an island-wide rather than district basis. 
• The list shall include the significance of each parcel or entitlement, identified the reason for its priority, and its anticipated use after acquisition. 
• To update this list at any time, but at least annually by December 31 of each year.
• To explore methods of funding for conservation easements or land acquisition and make recommendations to the mayor. The commission shall give emphasis to conservation easements or land acquisitions where the County’s contribution can be leveraged to obtain State, Federal, and/or private FUNDs.
• To review Stewardship Grant Applications and make recommendations to the Department of Finance of the eligible non-profit organization to provide stewarding efforts for property purchased with the Fund. 

AGENDA: Meeting Notice

PONC PUBLIC FOLDERS

VACANCIES: Beginning January 1, 2022, a vacancy in District 8. If interested, please apply here: Boards and Commission Application