2019-06-04.PCDP.Minutes.DRAFT - Laserfiche WebLink

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2. Rene Siracusa, representing Malama 0 Puna, testified on agenda item 1: General Plan Comprehensive Review and Mini Speakout Workshop. Ms. Siracusa shared that oftentimes grading/grubbing violations in Volcano have led to nothing more than a "slap on the wrist" response from the County. She explained that it is easier to pay the fines than to go through the process. She hoped that the General Plan would address this issue, and lead to better environmental protection in the future. She also stated that when the Puna CDP was drafted it did not include any community-based guidance for geothermal operations in Puna. She explained that at the time they were anxious to pass the CDP and that they would amend it later. She urged the AC and planners to consider revising the CDP to include information for geothermal operations. 3. Hannah Hendrick, representing Upper Puna Engagement Collaboration, testified on agenda item 1: General Plan Comprehensive Review and Mini Speakout Workshop. Ms. Hendrick briefly explained her efforts to put together an Upper Puna Engagement and Collaboration team to increase communication between different neighborhoods in Puna. She expressed interest in a similar effort to balance priorities (funding or other resources) between the various CDPs on the island. She stressed the importance of connectivity, particularly in regards to efforts made by the Mayor's office in coordination with the Mass Transit Agency. 4. Myelle, representing Upper Puna, testified on agenda item 1: General Plan Comprehensive Review and Mini Speakout Workshop. Myelle echoed Mr. Olsen's feeling of having more questions than answers. She suggested prioritizing Mass Transit in the General Plan because they are lacking resources, and do not have reliable schedules to facilitate effective commuting. She pointed out the organizational issues within the Mass Transit Agency which has been passed on by the last administrator and led to a lot of problems with sourcing and utilizing grant money. She expressed feeling that the Mass Transit Master Plan is too vague to be effective and does not define how improvements will happen. She further expressed that their meetings were additionally only accessible if you have access to email and a car. BUSINESS: 1. General Plan Comprehensive Review and Mini Speakout Workshop. Committee Member Norris moved to adjourn the meeting at the end of the Mini Speakout session. Second by Committee Member Kawano. The motion to adjourn the meeting after the Mini Speakout session passed with 5 votes aye, 0 votes nay. Planner Morrison gave a brief presentation to provide an update about the General Plan comprehensive review process. In her presentation, she explained the history of the County's community planning efforts. She explained that Community Development Plans were created in response to a call for a meaningful public role in planning. Through the General Plan update, the Planning Department hopes to further facilitate that goal. The General Plan comprehensive review began in 2015 and has since involved years of research, analysis, and intergovernmental coordination. Ms. Morrison explained various components of the draft plan which include a focus on sustainability, consistency with the island's CDPs, and aligning layers of healthy, livable communities in an effort for a better future planning program. She oriented listeners by www.hiplanningdept.com puna(dhawaiicounty.-ov Page 2