By David Corrigan and Stephanie Salazar

KONA, Hawaii: South Kona councilwoman Brenda Ford’s opponent in the 2010 county council election is seeking approval to join the Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Commission.

Enock Freire lost to Ford in a heated District 7 primary. He has been nominated by Mayor Billy Kenoi to serve on the body that forwards to the council a prioritized list of land recommendations for possible purchase using the 2% fund. The money, which comes from 2% of real property taxes, amounts to roughly $4 million annually.

The nomination will go before the Finance Committee today. Ford is the chairwoman of the committee.

The two debated each other numerous times on the campaign trail in August of last year.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday, Ford’s effort to initiate a charter amendment to make the 2% land fund a requirement of county charter will get its third and final reading. The voter initiative will replace the current mandate of 1% if passed.