Hawaii County was able to squeeze funding for an assessment of the Papaikou Mill Beach trail, the first step toward acquisition of an easement, in its next budget.
Initially, county administrators said money could not be found due to continued tight finances.
But Finance Director Nancy Crawford confirmed Friday that $5,000 was allocated to determine the value of the privately-owned path.
The funding became available, she said, with the help of property tax increases that overall will raise an additional $18.8 million for the county during the next fiscal year that begins in July.
“There was a significant change between the March budget and the May budget,” she said, referring to the tax increase the County Council approved Thursday, along with a $394.3 million budget.
“That made this funding possible,” she added.
It’s not quite clear how much an assessment will cost. Crawford said additional money will be allocated if needed.
Still, more work needs to be done to put the community’s only beach access in the public’s hands.
Acquisition of an easement for the path is expected to be handled through eminent domain, a process that would require court action and more funds that have yet to be allocated.
“This is the beginning,” said Hamakua Councilwoman Valerie Poindexter. “It just keeps moving forward from here.”
Last November, the County Council passed a resolution urging the acquisition of a trail easement, following a swell of support from Papaikou residents.
Trail owners Charlene Prickett and Jim Waugh allow access for about 12 hours a day.
They have been against selling the land to the county.
Some Papaikou residents have voiced concern over the restricted access and rules enforced by the owners.
Margaret Johnson, a Papaikou resident, said she is happy to see the appraisal get funded, even if acquisition may still be a bit farther down the road.
“I think we’re just taking it one step at a time,” she said.
Poindexter said she had spoken with Mayor Billy Kenoi about the need for funding.
Kenoi didn’t return a request for comment.
Tony Guiteras, another supporter of making the trail public, said Kenoi had assured Papaikou residents at a meeting on the budget May 20 that the assessment funding had been added.
“It’s moving along,” he said.
Poindexter said an assessment may be done by September.
Johnson said she expects Papaikou residents to continue to put pressure on the county to follow through on an easement, particularly if it appears that the issue is being neglected.
“We’ll make ourselves known,” she said.
