Video by David Corrigan | Voice of Stephanie Salazar

PAAUILO, Hawaii: An informational open house was held at Paauilo Gym on Thursday evening, to discuss the details of the new Hamakua lands leasing program, and to answer questions from the public.

The County of Hawaii has invited farmers, ranchers and other interested applicants to bid on long-term leases for 718 acres of county-owned lands at Paauilo.

The 16 parcels of land range from less than 13 acres to nearly 110 acres, and are available for 10-year leases. The minimum rental price will be $11.63 per acre per year, which is based on an outside market appraisal of the land.

Hamakua councilman Dominic Yagong is glad to see the effort moving forward.

Of course, there were plenty of questions at the meeting. Many folks said that a 10 year lease is not a long nough to be a worth their while. Others are busy preparing their bid for the lands.

All proposals by bidders must comply with the current agricultural zoning on the Paauilo lands, and must meet the terms of Hawaii County Council Resolution 38-11. All proposals must be received by the county by 4:30 p.m. on October 14, 2011.