Mauna Kea Soil And Water Conservation District

The board meeting agenda included approval of additional items, such as a sub-division review (PL-SUB-2025-000374 & 000375) and the Lualai at Parker Ranch cooperative agreement. The Treasurer's report noted a change only in the county checking account due to payroll and website payments. Key discussions centered on sub-division reviews, including deferral of PL-SUB-2025-000356 and approval of PL-SUB-2025-000374 and 000375, which involve dividing acreage into smaller lots near a stream. Cooperative agreements for an agroforestry conversion, grazing livestock infrastructure, and Lualai at Parker Ranch were approved despite zoning and code questions. Reports included NRCS updates on staff vacancies, application deadlines, and program rollouts, as well as updates on field inventories and venue scouting. New business involved discussions on green fee project submissions with HACD, drafting an MOU with NRCS, and approving the use of a debit card for the UWA account and federal funds for a deposit related to the HACD conference.

The meeting agenda included the approval of the agenda itself, treasurer's report items concerning savings account dividends and payroll deductions, and committee reports. Discussions were scheduled for Farm Dwelling Review and Sub-division Review. Several contract and agreement items required approval, including Cooperative Agreements and various Plan actions (Approval, Revision, Update, Cancellation). Under reports and correspondence, updates were given on NRCS programs, including changes to conservation programs like CSP and NWQI moving forward, and information sessions on organic management practices. Old business addressed the upcoming HACD conference, health insurance cost increases, options for a potential government shutdown, and the resignation of a board member. New business included the naming of a new Treasurer following a resignation, selection of Cooperator of the Year nominees across different categories (Grazing, Crop), and an open discussion regarding term expirations and filling the vacant board position.

The meeting agenda included the Treasurer's report with updates on various accounts (UWA, County, Wishard, Federal). Discussions focused on potential Cooperative Agreements, specifically concerning Lualai at Parker Ranch (requiring clarification on processing for residential zoning and agroforestry plans), and approvals for assistance requests from Senifa Annandale (grazing infrastructure), Alfred Figueroa (crop assistance for high tunnel), and Lisa Ramos (wildlife habitat restoration). The NRCS reported on hiring freezes, program intakes being on hold until summer, and IRA funds being paused, preventing payments on contracted practices. The Conservation Specialist reported on recent intakes and training activities. New business involved declining a mapping grant opportunity from Lynker as it fell outside the district's boundaries. The Board resolved to draft a letter to local government regarding the federal hiring freeze and the pause on NRC funds.

The agenda for the meeting included the approval of the agenda itself. Key operational discussions covered the Treasurer's report, which involved depositing a check, addressing festival outreach purchases, payroll deductions, LRP payments, and an agreed-upon transfer of funds between savings and checking accounts while maintaining a minimum balance. A subdivision review for Buffalo properties in Kohala, involving a 45-acre parcel being divided into four lots with consideration for a blue line stream and potential erosion concerns, concluded with no noted concerns regarding the subdivision. Reports included updates from NRCS regarding staffing, application rounds, and a call for partner funding proposals. The Conservation Specialist reported on training activities, field inventory tool use, and upcoming meetings/deliverables. Old business included supply purchases for the Wiliwili festival and discussion about the REPI proposal deadline. New business involved planning for the upcoming HACD conference dates.

The meeting agenda included the approval of the current agenda and review of the November 13, 2024, minutes. Discussions covered the Treasurer's report regarding savings dividends and various county and federal payments. Key items involved Farm Dwelling Review and Sub-division Review. A significant portion was dedicated to the approval of several Cooperative Agreements for assistance with operations such as lo'i kalo management, sediment control, and grazing infrastructure development across multiple landowners. Other discussions included plan approvals/revisions and reports from the NRCS and Conservation Specialist/Administrative Assistant detailing intake management, application rankings, and training schedules. New business featured a presentation on a pilot cost share program (Laulima community conservation cost share) intended to close the gap on EQIP contract holder cost share payments to reach 100%, addressing higher material costs in Hawaii.