HomeMy WebLinkAbout3. Economics and Opportunity Planning.2019 Draft General Plan Public Comments County of Hawai'i Draft General Plan
2019 Public Comments on Economic & Opportunity Planning
Comment Source Date
Allow more ohana dwelling Aupuni Center 10/28/2019
Encourage more subsistence agriculture vs. commercial ag Aupuni Center 10/28/2019
More hands on farming for students Aupuni Center 10/28/2019
Other municipalities have phased out vacation rentals outside of
permitted districts- HI County should do same to raise long term Aupuni Center Hallway 10/28/2019
housing
Clarify section 3.44 of this section of the draft Hilo Speakout 8/11/2019
Let other orgs and businesses buy and design manhole covers. One
thing tourists can do -> to take photos Hilo Speakout 8/11/2019
• Needing higher standards for imports/agriculture Hilo Speakout 8/11/2019
• (2 people) Provide incentives for farmers with surplus to give to
Hilo Speakout 8/11/2019
food banks
• Eliminate sales taxon food (locally grown?) and medicine Hilo Speakout 8/11/2019
• Certificate of occupancy--can be revoked as a means to address
„ Hilo Speakout 8/11/2019
squatters
• I'd like to see incentives for using ag land for forestry--even Hilo Speakout 8/11/2019
public/private partnerships to increase tree coverage
elevation rainforest--so how can we get other people to see forestry Hilo Speakout 8/11/2019
as a good use of their land?
• Need policy that explicit of how affordable housing should be
Hilo Speakout 8/11/2019
near jobs
• Allow eco-villages for people to live and have eco and agriculture
Hilo Speakout 8/11/2019
tourism on their farmland!
right client) Quality guest
o Quality vacation rental -> quality guest Hilo Speakout 8/11/2019
o Quality guest -> educate about culture, experiential tourism
culture (quality filled or aloha), become ambassadors of HI island,
• Rules for County housing and other supportive housing, like if
someone is a felon or using medical marijuana, doesn't match needs
of people they're serving. Some people living in group homes have to Hilo Speakout 8/11/2019
leave to do things like attend a day program where they sit and do
nothing.There needs to be different levels of housing with different
care and support
• How are we going to address households living in substandard Hilo Speakout 8/11/2019
housing? People living in substandard housing afraid of enforcement
• Volcano and Merrie Monarch for tourism that supports the island
Hilo Speakout 8/11/2019
economically
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County of Hawai'i Draft General Plan
2019 Public Comments on Economic & Opportunity Planning
Comment Source Date
• Encourage increasing visitors/tourism by requiring two weeks Hilo Speakout 8/11/2019
• Rent a car to get out of resort and experience the isle Hilo Speakout 8/11/2019
• Quality vacation rentals -- Pono
o At resort facilities such as existing county parks Hilo Speakout 8/11/2019
o Carlsmith -- Mh5 --4 mile
• Informing others (entities/major corporations/entrepreneurs)
Hilo Speakout 8/11/2019
know of the trade zone (federal) at or around Hilo airport. To help
with building business opportunities
• Look to the community for new ideas that economic growth such Hilo Speakout 8/11/2019
as the rooster industry that makes but not be taxed
• Establish community commercial kitchen in Orchidland. Needing
Hilo Speakout 8/11/2019
space to meet at a community
• Partner with schools to do programs in computers and
Hilo Speakout 8/11/2019
environmental studies, like have done in O'ahu and on the mainland.
More funding to help support continuously
• Would like to see more outlet stores with designer brands, etc. Hilo Speakout 8/11/2019
• (2 people) Opposed to the spaceport planned on Shipman land at Hilo Speakout 8/11/2019
historic Haena which abuts DHHL farmers and residents
• Allergies should be clearly stated on menus for customers Hilo Speakout 8/11/2019
Housing for farming is missing. County and state not supporting Hilo Speakout 8/11/2019
farmers.
• (2 people) Process and preserve local grown food in times of Hilo Speakout 8/11/2019
emergency
• (3 people) Lower/eliminate taxes on ag properties. Encourage Hilo Speakout 8/11/2019
farmers to grow
Hilo Speakout 8/11/2019
• Ag tax rates are fair. Use infrastructure, roads, waste, etc.
• For farmers markets, more flexibility on health rules "buyer
Hilo Speakout 8/11/2019
beware signs„ like in restaurants
• Want to get schools involved in agriculture because the average
Hilo Speakout 8/11/2019
age of farmer is 65
• Need to encourage/de-regulate "truck farms” --small home
Hilo Speakout 8/11/2019
grown operations
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County of Hawai'i Draft General Plan
2019 Public Comments on Economic & Opportunity Planning
Comment Source Date
• Can grow large variety of crops on island. Should be able to find Hilo Speakout 8/11/2019
everything you need at farmers markets
• Support educational/co-op efforts for farmers. Industry based
Hilo Speakout 8/11/2019
support
• Regulations on small farming operations are killing businesses Hilo Speakout 8/11/2019
• Good type of foods that people would want to take home Hilo Speakout 8/11/2019
• Place emphasis on feeding the local community first and Hilo Speakout 8/11/2019
incentivize them (the food system food chain)
• In Pana'ewa there is an increased number of homelessness to
Hilo Speakout 8/11/2019
include the items being left around, nuisance issues, sanitary issues
and threatening residents (placemaking?)
• Examine building codes that are not really necessary and make Hilo Speakout 8/11/2019
housing more expensive--get rid of unneeded things!
• (3 people) Building permit requirements have become ridiculous
compared to how they were 30 years ago.Too many requirements Hilo Speakout 8/11/2019
for example earthquake standards. People here don't make enough
income to follow these standards.
• Need to make it more affordable to develop housing. Housing
Hilo Speakout 8/11/2019
maintenance costs high --encourage rent-to-buy. Make it easier for
developers to make money building affordable housing
• Streamline permitting process for housing and creating Hilo Speakout 8/11/2019
mechanisms that allow tiny homes, ohana, etc.
• Affordable House-- Do away/land use commission. Need to get Hilo Speakout 8/11/2019
County on board w.This to be supportive of legislation at state level
• More hook/hammer for affordable housing requirements Hilo Speakout 8/11/2019
• Owner builders in sub-standard subdivisions should be allowed to
Hilo Speakout 8/11/2019
build to SAFETY only
• Hamakua coast lacks business opportunities
o Not too many existing commercial spaces Hilo Speakout 8/11/2019
• Support farmer/gardener education (plant aloha at Hawaiian
Hilo Speakout 8/11/2019
sanctuary)
• Fund/give land to beginning farmers! Hilo Speakout 8/11/2019
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County of Hawai'i Draft General Plan
2019 Public Comments on Economic & Opportunity Planning
Comment Source Date
• How can we help farmers? How can we ensure self-sufficiency of Hilo Speakout 8/11/2019
this island with food security and protection against global warming?
Hilo Speakout 8/11/2019
• Mixed use housing in urban areas
• How do we reduce failed ag land?
o Is there any incentive to get ag land used for ag? Is there any Hilo Speakout 8/11/2019
teeth to the implementation taxation?
• Lack of infrastructure (water) is an impediment to development,
obtaining smart growth goals, renovation of OCD properties, Hilo Speakout 8/11/2019
affordable housing, etc.
o Renovation -> reinvestment
• Need focus on housing near employment opportunities and
make them affordable (econ?) Hilo Speakout 8/11/2019
• Manhole cover tourism like Okinawa Hilo Speakout 8/11/2019
• The Counties need satellite offices for state programs such as the
Hawaii Green Business Program and the Forest Stewardship Program, Hilo Speakout 8/11/2019
etc.
• In Pana'ewa homelessness is rampant and growing in spite of the
Lt. Gov visit in May 2019. The number of encampments have Hilo Speakout 8/11/2019
increased to now include public urination, fist fighting and
abandoned items strewn about
• Would retreats be something to encourage on east side of Hilo Speakout 8/11/2019
island?
• Goal: maintain viable businesses in downtown Hilo. How can GP Hilo Speakout 8/11/2019
support this?
• Want more about affordable housing Hilo Speakout 8/11/2019
• Farm to table facility--grow process and sell promotes zero-
Hilo Speakout 8/11/2019
waste food processing
• Promoting food hubs that are already operating ag industry
based education, alternatives to pesticides,green houses farming co- Hilo Speakout 8/11/2019
ops, grants, services
• (2 people) Barriers from farm to Table -- need to make it easier Hilo Speakout 8/11/2019
o Going sustainable, need to have trust in buyer and supplier to
have communities build up their communities
• Squatters along Kalapana -- How are we addressing it?Affecting
Hilo Speakout 8/11/2019
our sustainability of those with greenhouses spraying pesticides,
sanitation flowing out to the ocean (placemaking?)
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County of Hawai'i Draft General Plan
2019 Public Comments on Economic & Opportunity Planning
Comment Source Date
Hilo Topic Focus WS 10/26/2019
Local housing in the urban centers
Hilo Topic Focus WS 10/26/2019
Prioritize housing for long term residents
GP provide basis of COH not preparing/planning (end of sugar) Hilo Topic Focus WS 10/26/2019
Hilo Topic Focus WS 10/26/2019
Housing (affordable)
Chapter 23/25 need to be tied Hilo Topic Focus WS 10/26/2019
Allow Ag to be the core of our tourism industry Hilo Topic Workshop 10/12/2019
Action 3.5 and farmers market (slide#1 - prioritizing diversity and
Hilo Topic Workshop 10/12/2019
innovation - how?)
Does county have existing certified kitchen facilities and if so are
they being used by the public? Hilo Topic Workshop 10/12/2019
• Can we make that possible
How to sustain farming economically
• For her farm agro tourism was the answer
Hilo Topic Workshop 10/12/2019
• We need to remove barriers to allow for innovation and
diversification of the Ag industry
Sq. footage, number of visitors allowed are examples of barriers
Incentives for farmers who branch out to try new crops and attempt
Hilo Topic Workshop 10/12/2019
to innovate the industry
Hemp industry- promote Hilo Topic Workshop 10/12/2019
How can we support local dairies Hilo Topic Workshop 10/12/2019
Something like PONC but related to Ag land
Hilo Topic Workshop 10/12/2019
• Housing
Clearly define terms of"tiny houses" and other housing types in the
building code revision Hilo Topic Workshop 10/12/2019
Mortgage typically 30 years-should be able to sell at that point Hilo Topic Workshop 10/12/2019
Clarity on "tiny" homes -definition/code allowances etc. -can
include in DPWs building code update. Same language across the Hilo Topic Workshop 10/12/2019
board
Families need education/support/guidance to move from "tent" to
Hilo Topic Workshop 10/12/2019
"house" etc.
Concern or not allowing o ana units in certain land designations
• Limiting affordable housing options Hilo Topic Workshop 10/12/2019
Can we do away with those restrictions?
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County of Hawai'i Draft General Plan
2019 Public Comments on Economic & Opportunity Planning
Comment Source Date
Ag designation
• Much of our housing is on Ag land Hilo Topic Workshop 10/12/2019
How will the plan create a distinction between "Ag" land and land
Discourage tourism industry to ensure we have the needed
Hilo Topic Workshop 10/12/2019
workforce for Ag industry
(525) Expand rural areas for STVR and BNB, etc. to include Hilo Topic Workshop 10/12/2019
agricultural areas
Why couldn't have bill 108 have been considered by district-the Hilo Topic Workshop 10/12/2019
needs of the may outweigh the needs of the few
Base policies for STVR and BNBs on actual data and not on people's Hilo Topic Workshop 10/12/2019
loudly voiced opinions
What is "foreign trade zone" -does Hilo have one? Hilo Topic Workshop 10/12/2019
How does the state facilitate enterprise zones? Hilo Topic Workshop 10/12/2019
Action 291- Remove "program" Hilo Topic Workshop 10/12/2019
Action 303 -Support to develop Hilo Topic Workshop 10/12/2019
County to negotiate for lower export shipping rates Hilo Topic Workshop 10/12/2019
Listen/learn, self sustainability for the island Hilo Topic Workshop 10/12/2019
Economic and job development for Puna/Pahoa Hilo Topic Workshop 10/12/2019
Make it more affordable for new businesses
• Develop certified kitchen and shared use spaces (funded by county Hilo Topic Workshop 10/12/2019
through grants)
There's "farming" and then there's "Ag" (small scale, small profit) Hilo Topic Workshop 10/12/2019
(large production so much they can export)
Flag 307 & 280- need to allow people to farm on smaller scales-
families cannot afford the higher acre lots, nor can they work that Hilo Topic Workshop 10/12/2019
much land
Ag can be cattle on 20 acres and that is different from farming
Hilo Topic Workshop 10/12/2019
• Lack of water makes it so individuals can only afford to raise cattle
on the land and not grow food
Why can't we be the#1 provider for eggs? Hilo Topic Workshop 10/12/2019
County to lease state Ag lands and sublease to make more affordable
Hilo Topic Workshop 10/12/2019
to general public
Action 3.3.1 - restore at least one Ahupua'a -is this possible? Hilo Topic Workshop 10/12/2019
Ag tourism and how it supports economy Hilo Topic Workshop 10/12/2019
Need a menu of options to provide affordable housing and how to
Hilo Topic Workshop 10/12/2019
keep it affordable
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County of Hawai'i Draft General Plan
2019 Public Comments on Economic & Opportunity Planning
Comment Source Date
Ensure we have a wide spectrum of housing options for all income
levels Hilo Topic Workshop 10/12/2019
Hilo Topic Workshop 10/12/2019
Develop system to incentivize universal design for new construction
Attainable housing, create possibilities for current residents to be
Hilo Topic Workshop 10/12/2019
able to stay on island
Here to learn, affordable housing availability Hilo Topic Workshop 10/12/2019
Affordable housing options, locally based Ag economy and providing Hilo Topic Workshop 10/12/2019
locally sourced food to be sold/bought in the region it is grown
Why are we building huge and elaborate affordable housing?800 sq.
Hilo Topic Workshop 10/12/2019
enough
Fill gap between "tent" and house Hilo Topic Workshop 10/12/2019
Infill in Kea'au - more housing opportunities in Kea'au -traffic Hilo Topic Workshop 10/12/2019
Leilani ® current use restricts multiple kitchens etc. - prevents people Hilo Topic Workshop 10/12/2019
from running/operating businesses out of home
Need support for diversified Ag Hilo Topic Workshop 10/12/2019
Discuss in economy too- help balance land owner expectations-
HiloTopic Workshop 10/12/2019
incentivize
How do we mitigate Ag subdivision into small "gentlemen farms" - if
the land owners can make more money doing that vs. actual Hilo Topic Workshop 10/12/2019
farming?
incentives for new affordable housing maybe tax credit (universal or
Hilo Topic Workshop 10/12/2019
energy saving designs)
Support for food security for natural disaster/climate change Honoka'a Mini SpeakOut 9/30/2019
Ahupua'a pilot project-Waipi'o Valley 9/30/2019
• Waikoekoe Ahupua'a Honoka'a Mini SpeakOut
Climate smart Ag- better compost, no-till, carbon smart agriculture Honoka'a Mini SpeakOut 9/30/2019
Carbon farming, carbon sequestration task force Honoka'a Mini SpeakOut 9/30/2019
Aging population - initiative for aging in place/opportunity and 9/30/2019
challenge to meet the needs Honoka'a Mini SpeakOut
Edible landscaping/community gardens (liked) Honoka'a Mini SpeakOut 9/30/2019
Need to plant more food in our county parks and do more tree Honoka'a Mini SpeakOut 9/30/2019
planting to encourage community engagement
Ho'okipa great principles as applied to tourism Ka'u Speakout 8/25/2019
County of Hawai'i Draft General Plan
2019 Public Comments on Economic & Opportunity Planning
Comment Source Date
Put a cultural center with farmers market for locals to sell and
Ka'u Speakout 8/25/2019
tourists (initiative started 10 years ago)
Visitor industry-- need to give historical true story of the place --
Ka'u Speakout 8/25/2019
tourists are getting false information
Tourism has changed since how it used to be.Types of tourist
Ka'u Speakout 8/25/2019
activity/locations/etc.
Eco-tourism not used to full potential Ka'u Speakout 8/25/2019
Economy fluctuates--cannot rely only on tourism/agriculture Ka'u Speakout 8/25/2019
• Diversification is very important and not very well reflected
Feel a major problem for the island is a shrinking economic base
• Not enough about encouraging new businesses Ka'u Speakout 8/25/2019
• Not currently economically self-sufficient--food exportation
• Develop economic base
•Ag is failing--tourism is flat
• More in the Plan about negative economic climate and fixing this
278: Invest?Clarify Ka'u Speakout 8/25/2019
Objective:Add equitable and safe into objective Ka'u Speakout 8/25/2019
What does family owned farm mean?
• Agriculture business model Ka'u Speakout 8/25/2019
Chain of production in ag--getting it to be improved --farm to table
should be easier Ka'u Speakout 8/25/2019
• EX: post-harvest facilities
Indoor ag -> climate change reasons to mitigate effects esp. In urban
Ka'u Speakout 8/25/2019
areas
Committee geared towards helping maximize the land that they are Ka'u Speakout 8/25/2019
working (in community) --seed to table even with restaurants
So much of ag is subsistence--yes they need support but takes too
much for family farms to become commercial
•A family farm cannot support a family
Ka'u Speakout 8/25/2019
Health insurance is a big problem for families who own farms
Allow more housing on a farm to encourage growth and
increased production
Off-grid helps with affordability
Difficult to get permits
8
County of Hawai'i Draft General Plan
2019 Public Comments on Economic & Opportunity Planning
Comment Source Date
Are there County incentives to bring businesses to areas with
affordable housing;will success in attributing businesses raise Ka'u Speakout 8/25/2019
housing costs?
We need a large-scale wind energy industry respectful of agricultural
Ka'u Speakout 8/25/2019
needs
Aging community
• Diversified living options Ka'u Speakout 8/25/2019
•Active living center
When tourism is allowed on ag and cultural sites, what input from
community is taken during approval? Ka'u Speakout 8/25/2019
No hotel options in Ka'u
• Growth in tourism in south
Ka'u Speakout 8/25/2019
•They are here -> we should accommodate them, with low impact
and not becoming Waikoloa
When are we getting a grocery store in Na'alehu Ka'u Speakout 8/25/2019
Objective: Encourage visitors to increase stay, take out expenditure Ka'u Speakout 8/25/2019
Community did not always want tourism in Volcano Village-- Ka'u Speakout 8/25/2019
National park was meant to provide for that with Volcano House, etc.
Since 70's, County/State/Fed have dedicated finding resources to
Saddle Rd/S Kohala areas. It has brought advancement and visitor
Ka'u Speakout 8/25/2019
revenues disproportionately, leaving Ka'u and S Kona (to Kea'au)
adrift
Visitor industry brings new wealth to island instead of"recycling" the Ka'u Speakout 8/25/2019
money/resources we already have--"keep slicing the pie smaller"
Hawai'i Tourism Authority is very pro-hotel
•They do not emphasize or benefit small businesses Ka'u Speakout 8/25/2019
There is no plan to build a resort--there's a conceptual plan for
renovation of the golf course and lodge, in support of it Ka'u Speakout 8/25/2019
•There is already a plan for a resort in Punalu'u with a beach and
golf course
Tourism: balance with tourism and farming and local residents, no
Ka'O Speakout 8/25/2019
over emphasis on tourism
Tourism --things could be developed to promote in South Point but Ka'u Speakout 8/25/2019
is wild west--develop things so tourists can use sustainable
• Eco/agro tourism -- people will pay to take care of the land
9
County of Hawai'i Draft General Plan
2019 Public Comments on Economic & Opportunity Planning
Comment Source Date
Nothing in Volcano to keep tourists there
• Restaurants, shopping, hotels, etc. leads to huge cuts in revenue
Ka'u Speakout 8/25/2019
for residents who rely on tourism
• Many valuable but underutilized natural resources in Ka'u to
encourage smart/cultural/environmental tourism
326: Establish visitor-related to promote all industries (not
Ka'u Speakout 8/25/2019
encourage)
327: (Not support) Develop recreation and outdoor (natural
Ka'u Speakout 8/25/2019
environment) --add a new policy
Not a lot of employment opportunity Ka'u Speakout 8/25/2019
Can't process high volume products, no investment mechanisms--
zoning issues (?) -> gray areas
•Workforce/ag housing needs to be available like plantation
housing, change model back Ka'u Speakout 8/25/2019
• Gray areas lead to uncertain investment practices and weakens
the industry opportunities
We need a big box store Ka'u Speakout 8/25/2019
275: Change to "support" and make the objective Ka'u Speakout 8/25/2019
Difficulty to sustain interest in anything (projects, groups, causes) in
Ka'u Speakout 8/25/2019
Ka'u because too occupied with their daily lives.Things will start with
energy then eventually peter out
Wonderful ideas -> get it done! Ka'u Speakout 8/25/2019
Kanelehu Rd is a death trap. Speed limit is 25 mph and dangerous.
Ka'u Speakout 8/25/2019
Putting in a hotel would be super dangerous and for County to okay a
hotel, project would have to be successful.
Need a grocery store in Na'alehu -- KTA potential Ka'u Speakout 8/25/2019
What is our economic vision? Ka'u Speakout 8/25/2019
Relying on SS/SNAP not sustainable
• Many folks live pay check to pay check with the benefits they Ka'u Speakout 8/25/2019
receive
Econ opportunity has been a challenge since plantations shut down Ka'u Speakout 8/25/2019
Why is gambling restricted in Hawai'i? Ka'u Speakout 8/25/2019
Inspections not reliable/timely. It took us 6 weeks to get an
inspection, nobody in my area (Ocean View)gets permits because of Ka'u Speakout 8/25/2019
this. Discourages new building/development
TMT: Laws and justice
• If laws aren't just, people won't obey them Ka'u Speakout 8/25/2019
Affordable housing and ag/food security could be their own sections
Ka'u Speakout 8/25/2019
in the GP
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County of Hawai'i Draft General Plan
2019 Public Comments on Economic & Opportunity Planning
Comment Source Date
Most people who work in ag are not economically independent Ka'u Speakout 8/25/2019
• Must earn a living wage to be independent
Rancher: Don't want to see "big ranching"
Ka'u Speakout 8/25/2019
• Land use more diversified, move forward self sustainability
• Cattle may not need to much land (e.g. 60K acres)
Farmers are not financially independent
•Work second jobs to get by Ka'u Speakout 8/25/2019
We cannot be prioritizing ag while striving for econ self-sustainability
-our farming industry is not financially independent--Gov to help Ka'u Speakout 8/25/2019
farmers
Family farms are more sustainable but they're becoming more
scarce. Farms need to be large to be sustainable Ka'u Speakout 8/25/2019
• Competing--small profit margins
Dispensaries-- implementation currently makes no sense. Deep
pockets has to fund growing of plants
Ka'u Speakout 8/25/2019
• Can Hawai'i go full recreational?
• Mechanism to ensure pesticide free growth?
Lack infrastructure to process raw products and turn them into
Ka'u Speakout 8/25/2019
valuable products
Food security-- problem with pests Ka'u Speakout 8/25/2019
• Should be able to grow more than enough good here
How do people qualify for loans 50%of their income? Crazy high cost
Ka'u Speakout 8/25/2019
of housing
Emphasize development that is sustainable
• How much is an affordable housing program run by the County
going to cost in the long run (inventory, enforcement) Ka'u Speakout 8/25/2019
• Hiring local for these projects vs flying in contractors from off
island
Dollar figure on cost to get inspectors Ka'u Speakout 8/25/2019
•They build new because they don't trust homes will be safe
Ka'u Speakout 8/25/2019
Hawai'i is not participating in a lot of housing programs
Hard to picture adding many more housing units Ka'u Speakout 8/25/2019
Substandard housing-- no follow through on reports of unpermitted
building Ka'u Speakout 8/25/2019
•Violations need to be followed through
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County of Hawai'i Draft General Plan
2019 Public Comments on Economic & Opportunity Planning
Comment Source Date
It would overwhelm planning. County to accomplish follow through
on reports of unpermitted building! Ka'u Speakout 8/25/2019
Why is Planning Department allowing yurts to be built?
• E.g., all homes have specs for windows--yurts don't Ka'u Speakout 8/25/2019
• Have to have hurricane clips--yurts don't
Housing. Severer growing problem of unavailable affordable housing
and homelessness
• Not well addressed in the GP and should not be in Economic Ka'u Speakout 8/25/2019
section
• Should have its own section
County building code should focus solely on safety standards --don't
Ka'u Speakout 8/25/2019
overbuild
Inspections are back-logged here!
Ka'u Speakout 8/25/2019
• People give up and buildings go unpermitted
Homelessness is not fully addressed in this plan! Drastic and growing Ka'u Speakout 8/25/2019
problem
Ag workers don't have sufficient housing Ka'u Speakout 8/25/2019
346&3.60: not achievable-- rewrite
Ka'u Speakout 8/25/2019
• Here we talk retro but other areas we talk only now
Difficult to find permits records for old houses used as vacation
rentals ex: volcano village Ka'u Speakout 8/25/2019
Give business classes in Pahala, etc....
•Accounting for business and personal use
• Information on how to purchase homes or land Ka'u Speakout 8/25/2019
Ka'u is farming-centered, if locals know how to start
businesses, they need the knowledge of how to start
More than 1 million cars pass through Ka'u per year, need a way to
Ka'u Speakout 8/25/2019
capture revenue
Growth in tourism in south Ka'u Speakout 8/25/2019
Pahala • More lands that locals can buy (vs million dollar homes) Ka'u Speakout 8/25/2019
Encourage infrastructure that will provide opportunity for jobs and
Ka'u Speakout 8/25/2019
training (also, for education)
328: Support (X)tourism industry... Ka'u Speakout 8/25/2019
Objective: Increase%of residence that are economically self- Ka'u Speakout 8/25/2019
sufficient--don't understand -- more to policy
Objective: Make objective consistent with goal and title "increase ag
and food security on COW
• Increase acre should be a policy Ka'u Speakout 8/25/2019
•Add --develop food storage management plan
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County of Hawai'i Draft General Plan
2019 Public Comments on Economic & Opportunity Planning
Comment Source Date
Objective: "Support" locally owned and operated ag businesses Ka'u Speakout 8/25/2019
201 hrs. issue- bypass county requirements Kona CDP AC 10/15/2019
How is the county/state going to encourage ag tourism?
• Not a permitted use for accommodations but is for commercial Kona Speakout 8/24/2019
• Create that nexus between
• Can we modify State Statute
• List recommendations for revisions to HRS/HCC
Protect regional coffees and other ag products from fraudulent Kona Speakout 8/24/2019
producers. Work with state to provide strict laws
"Implement dealer"
•What are the obstacles that hinder growth in ag land utilization? Kona Speakout 8/24/2019
• Community commercial kitchens
• Hunter facilities to process meat
Should build more houses around Civic Center area
• Have school, shops, infrastructure Kona Speakout 8/24/2019
• Out of flood zone
Need to think about the elderly
• Housing
Kona Speakout 8/24/2019
• Care homes
•Transportation
More duplex/multifamily development Kona Speakout 8/24/2019
Is there a tax credit or more landlord protection to encourage long-
term rental Kona Speakout 8/24/2019
• Need to make it more affordable for landlords
To keep "affordable housing" affordable, the County builds it
(hopefully with fed money)then either rents or sells it. When owners Kona Speakout 8/24/2019
want to sell, it goes back to County. Portion of rent or mortgage
payments is returned to owner/renter.This helps people establish a
pot of funds for down payments or 1st and last month's rent.
Short term vacation rentals is killing the unity of neighborhoods-- Kona Speakout 8/24/2019
certain countries are banning them (ex: Madrid)
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County of Hawai'i Draft General Plan
2019 Public Comments on Economic & Opportunity Planning
Comment Source Date
Important to educate people before they get here so they are safe,
take care of HI
• PSAs on planes
• Don't walk in waua/CDP Kona Speakout 8/24/2019
• Don't stand on wet rocks
• Keep it a place you would want to visit
• Mindful of Hawaiian traditions
Build the telescope--it's hundreds of jobs
• Should have given it a Hawaiian name Kona Speakout 8/24/2019
A sound stage would make it possible for them to produce movies
Kona Speakout 8/24/2019
here
•Alternative uses for it (ex: police could use for shooting range)
A financial center between San Francisco and Hong Kong Kona Speakout 8/24/2019
Opportunities for jobs, sharing cultural knowledge Kona Speakout 8/24/2019
Building the largest and tallest building atop the tallest mountain in
Kona Speakout 8/24/2019
the world is disrespectful and cluttering our mountains with building
to study"science" is not good science
So many vacant commercial buildings sit empty for years Kona Speakout 8/24/2019
something for the community, like a performance venue!
We are in crisis, based on the GP report
•We need vision and results now!
•We need rezoning in areas where there are jobs Kona Speakout 8/24/2019
• Duplexes and multi-family apartments
• Reliable transportation
If we don't address this crisis now, it will only get worse
Kona Speakout 8/24/2019
• If you don't start thinking outside the box and start co-operating
with positive visionaries who think differently than the bureaucracy,
you're stuck where you are
Communication with the state is important and encouraged Kona Speakout 8/24/2019
Work closer with legislature/office of planning (administration) Kona Speakout 8/24/2019
DMV in Kona is slow! Kona Speakout 8/24/2019
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County of Hawai'i Draft General Plan
2019 Public Comments on Economic & Opportunity Planning
Comment Source Date
Queen Liliuokalani subdivision -> illegal building on extended
common area
• Called several times for County to get involved, some dwellings
are still there, one built a pool on common area
•Asked QLT to purchase common area --at least 2-3,000 sq. ft.
• People building up to setbacks Kona Speakout 8/24/2019
•Also get homeless people dumping needles and alcohol --wanted
to restore since 1990
•And then there's vacation rentals on separate lot
• Unfair for not everybody to do it
• QLVCA is a biased board Kapuna want to vote her in
• Homeless living in rec center
•Women who isn't a homeowner is collecting rent on rec center
• Sep 7th -> building voting for board member
Ag and tourism --odd to be next to each other
•Tourism under sustainability is ironic Kona Speakout 8/24/2019
• Negative factors we don't have control over
Agriculture destination -- produce our own food Kona Speakout 8/24/2019
Built environment has a huge impact on homelessness
• Cars take up a lot of space-- homeless light lots on fire just to get
attention Kona Speakout 8/24/2019
•Zoning is sometimes reinforcement of transitional space
If it's a commercial space, people only go in to get something
and leave, no reason to stay
Address homeless problem --it's worse than it seems
• It's not going to go away, only get worse Kona Speakout 8/24/2019
3.57 -- Encourage an Affordable housing coalition from all segments Kona Speakout 8/24/2019
of the community to work together on creative solutions and funding
We need to get a handle on affordability of housing Kona Speakout 8/24/2019
Keep housing affordable after selling/developing Kona Speakout 8/24/2019
Keep developers accountable--fines, policing, for affordable
Kona Speakout 8/24/2019
housing, keeping them affordable
Need to understand what affordable means- 1300 sq. ft, is not
affordable Kona Speakout 8/24/2019
•Apartments and duplexes
Simplify the building code I Kona Speakout 8/24/2019
Tell the building department that they need to issue permits, not find
Kona Speakout 8/24/2019
excuses to deny them
15
County of Hawai'i Draft General Plan
2019 Public Comments on Economic & Opportunity Planning
Comment Source Date
For affordable housing, setting a goal to reduce the amount of people Kona Speakout 8/24/2019
on the waiting list for a unit (section 8)
New development in housing should be off grid systems e.g.,
catchment where possible Kona Speakout 8/24/2019
Explore possible alternative building codes. Mainland codes do not
Kona Speakout 8/24/2019
necessarily need to be done in Hawai'i. New materials can be used to
build affordable structures but may not meet current code. Example
could be single wall construction --can it be done now?
How to sustain agriculture without supporting supply-chain (e.g.,
Kona Speakout 8/24/2019
equipment, storage, transport)?
Zoning is the key to affordability of housing vs affordable housing. Kona Speakout 8/24/2019
Need to consider the whole picture
Should put our houses on wheels
• RV parks too
Kona Speakout 8/24/2019
• Prep for disasters
• Don't damage the land
Affordable rentals
• Not just lease Kona Speakout 8/24/2019
• Be able to purchase
Need to enforce rules on accessory dwellings Kona Speakout 8/24/2019
Critical failures by government
• On land use crisis Kona Speakout 8/24/2019
Housing affordability, cost burden, overcrowded
The County should not allow building in the Floodplains Kona Speakout 8/24/2019
Social equity on the energy side--affordable housing that's smaller. Kona Speakout 8/24/2019
How to encourage development of small, affordable housing?
Revision of grubbing and grading ordinance to be completed within
Kona Speakout 8/24/2019
one year of GP passage
Regulate special interests within Council so that requirements for
developers are not compromised on
• E.g., if affordable housing development requirement exists, they Kona Speakout 8/24/2019
have to do it instead of taking money for it. Always a way to make it
doable. "Solve for the bottlenecks"
•We have a "bias for inaction" here
16
County of Hawai'i Draft General Plan
2019 Public Comments on Economic & Opportunity Planning
Comment Source Date
Henry and Kuzini -> homeless issue --everybody stays near there for Kona Speakout 8/24/2019
resources -> turning into suburban wasteland
In 20 years what does prioritizing small scale accommodations look
like? Do we want the?What does this do to rural areas and points of Kona Topic Workshop 9/28/2019
interest?
Limit related terms or define them
Kona Topic Workshop 9/28/2019
ex: lodge- retreat- B&B
Urban food forest Kona Topic Workshop 9/28/2019
Conversion to green belts
• Urban food forests, community gardens Kona Topic Workshop 9/28/2019
Research updating gov. land relating to Ag since plantation less
relevant today. Make update more pertinent to small-scale and part- Kona Topic Workshop 9/28/2019
time farmers/food producers
Define types of housing i.e. micro home/tiny home Kona Topic Workshop 9/28/2019
People suffering because lack of affordable housing
• Play between county and state land use planning not addressing Kona Topic Workshop 10/19/2019
issue and not coordinated
For affordable housing the belief of"not in my backyard" needs to be
Kona Topic Workshop 10/19/2019
addressed
Feasibility of 4-Plex housing
• Tap into federal credits? Kona Topic Workshop 9/28/2019
• Federal opportunity zones
STVR 30 vs 31 days Kona Topic Workshop 9/28/2019
Build up of hosted STVRs or other small scale in communities breaks/
impacts the existing community Kona Topic Workshop 9/28/2019
• Sometimes not within 300 ft. but still impacts
Example of the value of the fisherman, divers and weavers who
Kona Topic Workshop 9/28/2019
practice daily in Kailua village and entertain visitors
• Cost/ benefit of these types of activities
Invest in island solution think/tank type business to be an economic
Kona Topic Workshop 9/28/2019
arm or business sector
Need for innovative technology both high and low tech (Pae 'aina
Kona Topic Workshop 9/28/2019
might be good incubator)
Readjust the model instead of just adjusting years Kona Topic Workshop 9/28/2019
Research which resolutions should be removed from policy if not
Kona Topic Workshop 9/28/2019
pertinent
Like wording on slide before prioritizing economic division Kona Topic Workshop 9/28/2019
Recognize and support small/ part-time/'Ghana farmers Kona Topic Workshop 9/28/2019
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County of Hawai'i Draft General Plan
2019 Public Comments on Economic & Opportunity Planning
Comment Source Date
Not in favor of" small scale animal husbandry" including chickens Kona Topic Workshop 9/28/2019
Young aspiring farmers can't afford land (can their be land trust?) Kona Topic Workshop 9/28/2019
Affordable housing: how are we addressing/ providing? Kona Topic Workshop 9/28/2019
Affordable housing balanced with environment care Kona Topic Workshop 9/28/2019
Equitable/safe housing
• Over bearing socialism
• Kona Topic Workshop 9/28/2019
Cut down years
• Low resale prevents upward movement
Allow building code help with housing enforcement Kona Topic Workshop 9/28/2019
Screaming priority for housing Kona Topic Workshop 9/28/2019
What do we care if supposed to be Ag housing and not being used
Kona Topic Workshop 9/28/2019
that way-still housing
Consider adopting program for Ag housing like was done for STVRs Kona Topic Workshop 9/28/2019
How to allow for multigenerational family farms to let them build Kona Topic Workshop 9/28/2019
additional dwellings (how will policy not be taken advantage of)
What is percentage of residents that rent/own housing Kona Topic Workshop 9/28/2019
What will the role of tiny and mobile homes play in housing Kona Topic Workshop 9/28/2019
Here voice of people who don't have a place to live Kona Topic Workshop 10/19/2019
Prioritize it now or deal with it later Kona Topic Workshop 10/19/2019
Housing crisis and effort of NIMBY mentality on availability of housing Kona Topic Workshop 10/19/2019
-we can deal with it now in generous manor or later in conflict
Sustainable agriculture juxtapose to subdivision trends Kona Topic Workshop 9/28/2019
Even affordable housing isn't affordable for local youth becoming
adults
Kona Topic Workshop 10/19/2019
• there fore moratorium is not necessarily negative to affordable
housing
We need to think about affordable housing near job centers before
Kona Topic Workshop 10/19/2019
thinking of transportation
Land use guidelines in Honolulu supposed to make adjustment 5- 10 Kona Topic Workshop 10/19/2019
years, but haven't since 1975 this limits housing and growth
18
County of Hawai'i Draft General Plan
2019 Public Comments on Economic & Opportunity Planning
Comment Source Date
Moratorium on building until financial deficit fee infrastructure can
be addressed
• Disagree-we need affordable housing now
• Would get attention of voters and in cities that have money it's Kona Topic Workshop 10/19/2019
effective in encouraging increased fees, but it would be disastrous for
our county
• Moratorium would be a great wake up call and beneficial to all
natural resources (ocean) Kahalulu, Kohana'iki, Kealakekua bay
Work with state for all the affordable housing especially in the urban Kona Topic Workshop 10/19/2019
area (Kona) state public housing
#1 is reducing lots of residential in innovative housing not just
transitional but in rural areas as permanent housing where density
N. Kohala Mini SpeakOut 9/25/2019
constraints require new solutions. Affordable housing advising
committee should mainly be folks working on it already- Kohala CDP
> 10 years
Concerned about biofuels- new date shows will release more carbon
not carbon neutral -worried about using biomass- might be better to
use coal -doesn't match other policies to promote biomass N. Kohala Mini Speakout 9/25/2019
Shorten visitor stays, increase expenditures N. Kohala Mini SpeakOut 9/25/2019
How do we best apply pressure to this system? N. Kohala Mini SpeakOut 9/25/2019
Increase organic Ag to feed Hawai'i residents and decrease
N. Kohala Mini SpeakOut 9/25/2019
food imports
Amend building codes to allow more alternative housing options that
N. Kohala Mini SpeakOut 9/25/2019
are affordable!
Are there state lands that could be developed as Ag parks? N. Kohala Mini SpeakOut 9/25/2019
Glad to see affordable housing by Mauna Lani happening N. Kohala Mini SpeakOut 9/25/2019
Impossible to find affordable land to farm and live on in North Kohala N. Kohala Mini SpeakOut 9/25/2019
If enough water, water able to flow.Why not build Hawaiian homes N. Kohala Mini SpeakOut 9/25/2019
on Hawaiian lands?To at least help the locals
Jewelry makers, wood workers, honey bees: need a community hub
Pahoa GP SpeakOut 10/5/2019
to meet and share trades or sell goods, do instruction or workshops-
in smaller rural communities
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County of Hawai'i Draft General Plan
2019 Public Comments on Economic & Opportunity Planning
Comment Source Date
Farm registration necessary with feds or else no farm assistance for
Pahoa GP SpeakOut 10/5/2019
recover :(
Food hub for extra products/local Pahoa GP SpeakOut 10/5/2019
HPP -The center could be a place for the food trucks to park Pahoa GP SpeakOut 10/5/2019
HPP need a way to support the seniors in HPP so that they don't have Pahoa GP SpeakOut 10/5/2019
to drive-support aging in place- lots of retired people
Need DOH approved places for animal processing - mobile, etc. Pahoa GP SpeakOut 10/5/2019
Need to be self-sustainable Pahoa GP SpeakOut 10/5/2019
Doe we have food processing plant in plan? Pahoa GP SpeakOut 10/5/2019
Have we released Ag land in Puna to be farmed?
• Owned by state, county or DHHL Pahoa GP SpeakOut 10/5/2019
Follow share cropper model Pahoa GP SpeakOut 10/5/2019
Why not allow more than one kitchen in a house when we need the
Pahoa GP SpeakOut 10/5/2019
revenue and having housing needs
Maybe something in HPP for a farmers market for people to bring Pahoa GP SpeakOut 10/5/2019
their crops to -in line with agriculture community
Stop traffic running through Pahoa -only pedestrian use for
restaurants and shops to increase money and cut down on drug Pahoa GP SpeakOut 10/5/2019
trafficking
Small farmer doesn't have outlets to processing facilities like Pana'ewa GP Mini 10/22/2019
slaughter house SpeakOut
Pana'ewa GP Mini 10/22/2019
DHHL worked with Hope Services, police help with homeless SpeakOut
Influx of homeless is an issue health care and laws have to work Pana'ewa GP Mini 10/22/2019
together SpeakOut
Pana'ewa GP Mini 10/22/2019
Infrastructure needed for Ag processing sites SpeakOut
Pana'ewa GP Mini 10/22/2019
Need more incentives for farming and small farms going SpeakOut
Airline inter-island transport, how to make it more affordable. Is
Pana'ewa GP Mini
there a way to get it considered to make a public plane or system like 10/22/2019
the bus system SpeakOut
Pana'ewa GP Mini 10/22/2019
*Create opportunities for coop for Ag and household SpeakOut
Pana'ewa GP Mini 10/22/2019
*Need available public sleeping spaces (shelters) SpeakOut
Puka'ana Church GP 10/16/2019
Re-brand tourism so it supports island values and environment SpeakOut
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County of Hawai'i Draft General Plan
2019 Public Comments on Economic & Opportunity Planning
Comment Source Date
Not the same tourists as 20 years ago Puka'ana Church GP 10/16/2019
• Want choices like STVR SpeakOut
Puka'ana Church GP 10/16/2019
We don't ha a sustainable fertilizer for crops SpeakOut
Families income of 51.2%goes to housing and that annual growth
increases by 70%due to people moving here Puka'ana Church GP 10/16/2019
• How do we stop the bleeding? SpeakOut
• The need for affordable housing becomes further out of reach for
the local family.That is assuming the majority of people moving her
are more suited financially to handle the cost of living in Hawai'i
Puka'ana Church GP 10/16/2019
Cluster housing and development mixed use better SpeakOut
Ag econ section contradicted by Ag land use section ex. Developable
land area
Volcano GP SpeakOut 10/7/2019
• Certified kitchen with visitors (563) prohibitive to Ag tours
• Gap in promoting farm tours and Ag tourism with current
regulations
Need for senior. housing Volcano GP SpeakOut 10/7/2019
Redefining "affordable" housing so impoverish and homeless can be
Volcano GP SpeakOut 10/7/2019
accommodated. Replace "eliminate unsound housing" with assist
owner/ builders in creating sound housing using local materials
Include people with disabilities in planning committees Volcano GP SpeakOut 10/7/2019
Remove "enforce" add "assist" impoverished residents in creating
Volcano GP SpeakOut 10/7/2019
safe housing conditions
The Puna district has a decrepit falling down building in Kurtistown.
This space should be repurposed for a community center to augment. Volcano GP SpeakOut 10/7/2019
The Kea'au space which is always in demand! Puna (middle) needs a
hub and in the Hawaiian Acres community as well as Kurtistown
Mauka. We could also use it as a farmer's market
Need to be sure the grubbing and grading codes look at impacts to
Volcano GP SpeakOut 10/7/2019
the forest
Cruise ship as economic development and environmental regulations Volcano GP SpeakOut 10/7/2019
Harbor improvements for passenger ships Volcano GP SpeakOut 10/7/2019
Reduce building codes, see Russ Ruderman proposed regulations Volcano GP SpeakOut 10/7/2019
21
County of Hawai'i Draft General Plan
2019 Public Comments on Economic & Opportunity Planning
Comment Source Date
Modify "minimum" standards to fit structures in substandard Volcano GP SpeakOut 10/7/2019
subdivisions with no services or amenities
Need to improve existing structures Volcano GP SpeakOut 10/7/2019
Environmental impact study for events like Ironman
• Pay clean up fee, etc. Waikoloa GP SpeakOut 10/24/2019
Guidelines: environmental protocols
Seed exchange program Waikoloa GP SpeakOut 10/24/2019
Food sharing opportunities -creating options to reduce food waste, Waikoloa GP SpeakOut 10/24/2019
ex. Of SBX
More self help projects to have the families build theirs and their
neighbors homes so there is a direct give and take and investment in Waikoloa GP SpeakOut 10/24/2019
their home
More income based townhouse/apartment rentals (Kekumu) in
Waikoloa GP SpeakOut 10/24/2019
Waikoloa Village
Consider managing Air B&B's with limitations, like no more than 20
days a month, etc.
• Favorable Towards because tourists want authentic experiences- Waikoloa GP SpeakOut 10/24/2019
farm stays, small scale tourism more likely to draw on local
resources/ benefit local economy
Why don't we advertise more for local cultural (ex. Halau)
Waikoloa GP SpeakOut 10/24/2019
performances at airport-QR code, etc.
Diversify economy-factory to produce products Waikoloa GP SpeakOut 10/24/2019
Kids need options beyond service jobs Waikoloa GP SpeakOut 10/24/2019
Space x options? Employ 1000's Waikoloa GP SpeakOut 10/24/2019
Cost of living so high - regular working class can't afford to stay Waikoloa GP SpeakOut 10/24/2019
*Edible landscapes in suburban areas Waikoloa GP SpeakOut 10/24/2019
Something should be done to ensure we grow our own fruits and
Waikoloa GP SpeakOut 10/24/2019
vegetables
• Ridiculous to have tomatoes in supermarkets from outer state
tCommunity gardens Waikoloa GP SpeakOut 10/24/2019
Population that can't afford housing Waikoloa GP SpeakOut 10/24/2019
CC&Rs might be prohibiting additional dwelling units in some
Waikoloa GP SpeakOut 10/24/2019
communities
22
County of Hawai'i Draft General Plan
2019 Public Comments on Economic & Opportunity Planning
Comment Source Date
Per Aloha United Way ALICE families are actually 55%of
Waimea Speakout 8/10/2019
Hawai'i Island Residents are food insecure
Promoting organic/sustainable ag with incentives or ranking that Waimea Speakout 8/10/2019
would promote businesses that are sustainable
• Create first division off grid sustainable agrihood Kuwilileni
o What are regulations to be able to grow and sell and distribute Waimea Speakout 8/10/2019
food?
o What are the red tape issues?
o Need more of set rules instead of case by case situation
• No County boards focus on food and agriculture
o We need within County need who is responsible to ensure we
Waimea Speakout 8/10/2019
have healthy food system
o Need to get closer to reliable food alliance
o Need dedicated dept. or person deals specifically food system
• Lower income levels for affordable housing requirements
Waimea Speakout 8/10/2019
(average 80k income)
• Housing is one of the issues. I'm a proponent of four-plex housing
as a solution. We're missing an opportunity for Gov financing 1-4 Waimea Speakout 8/10/2019
dwellings. Could have local people, low income or elderly, live in 1
unit and rent out the other 3
• Senior housing has long waiting list and process take too long Waimea Speakout 8/10/2019
• Define what population will be employed in twenty years and
Waimea Speakout 8/10/2019
what industries
• 1 would like senior retirement area for middle income --condo?
Single story, small hedge vs yard? Waimea Speakout 8/10/2019
o Gap in housing-- need a range
• Need more senior housing. Would be nice to have condos/town
Waimea Speakout 8/10/2019
houses designated to seniors in Waimea
• Zoning for 4 plex residence (see written testimony by J Donovan) Waimea Speakout 8/10/2019
• Need more senior housing Waimea Speakout 8/10/2019
• Indigenous Economic Development, provide opportunities for
Waimea Speakout 8/10/2019
families to share about special areas and be able to make a profit
from it, also be able to preserve our culture
• Food and agriculture -> need a commission on this Waimea Speakout 8/10/2019
23
County of Hawai'i Draft General Plan
2019 Public Comments on Economic & Opportunity Planning
Comment Source Date
• Focus on lowering costs for affordable housing developers--
Waimea Speakout 8/10/2019
lower market price
• Energy and self-sufficiency and sovereignty to ties into our job Waimea Speakout 8/10/2019
development and economic opportunities locals get to make it!
• More jobs on islands in state Waimea Speakout 8/10/2019
• Vocational. School for future firefighters, farmers, adult
Waimea Speakout 8/10/2019
care/seniors
• Clean business the employ people$150,000/yr. Waimea Speakout 8/10/2019
• Create centers that have offices ready to go for businesses to
Waimea Speakout 8/10/2019
sta rt
• All to add economic growth Waimea Speakout 8/10/2019
• More research on developing Waikoloa village Waimea Speakout 8/10/2019
• Independent contractor to create his workforce--to offer his
Waimea Speakout 8/10/2019
service
• Encourage more farmers for the available land Waimea Speakout 8/10/2019
• Policies and practices to encourage young farmers
o Cost of land is a barrier
o Land use practices for those who want tiny homes on farms Waimea Speakout 8/10/2019
multiple
• In N Kohala and value added ag- how do we get capital to get us
to add value to existing ag grown
o Need solid business planning Waimea Speakout 8/10/2019
o Need help with value added processing
• Need to identify microclimate and what crops grow best in what Waimea Speakout 8/10/2019
areas so farmers can make a good decision what to grow
• Find out what grows best in Waimea? Waimea Speakout 8/10/2019
o Find funding for equipment for farmers to grow
• Encourage more home gardens Waimea Speakout 8/10/2019
• Post and pier housing-- less impact--on the land -- how do we
Waimea Speakout 8/10/2019
incentivize?
• Affordable housing requirements in HCC (Hawai'i County Code)
Waimea Speakout 8/10/2019
o Create subdivisions without curbs, gutters, etc.
o Senior housing -> more/need in Waikoloa
o Subdivision required should be different in various zoning
• Spread affordable housing within communities rather than create
Waimea Speakout 8/10/2019
one affordable housing area
• Senior retirement for middle class seniors with subdivision that is Waimea Speakout 8/10/2019
created with townhouses and security. Walkable to town.
24
County of Hawai'i Draft General Plan
2019 Public Comments on Economic & Opportunity Planning
Comment Source Date
• Create template for off grid living -> a fast track Waimea Speakout 8/10/2019
• Strengthen housing regulations on hurricanes...other natural Waimea Speakout 8/10/2019
events
• Affordable housing should be spread within various subdivisions Waimea Speakout 8/10/2019
rather than one affordable housing area
• Could we build houses on government land? What's holding us
Waimea Speakout 8/10/2019
back?
• Affordable housing projects stopped and never finished. No
Waimea Speakout 8/10/2019
funding for Waikoloa Kumu Ka Nui. Billy funded and pulled fund.
Need to fund housing by union housing
• Not enough housing near hotels Waimea Speakout 8/10/2019
• Worried if it will be affordable and stay affordable also for local
Waimea Speakout 8/10/2019
families
• People lost homes to lava --where do they go? Waimea Speakout 8/10/2019
• Add requirements
o Sustainable materials/energy
o Re-use of renovated materials Waimea Speakout 8/10/2019
o Future lens focused on building for the home
o Climate change focus
• Make sure have affordable rental housing for local families Waimea Speakout 8/10/2019
• Need housing and rental housing that is and remains affordable
for local families (economy?) Waimea Speakout 8/10/2019
• Need housing near resorts/other places of jobs Waimea Speakout 8/10/2019
• Subdivision --ag lots -> limit for animals based on lot size? Waimea Speakout 8/10/2019
o Especially if animal is not taken care of
• Ag is possible anywhere
o Can do above ground, greenhouse for, etc. Waimea Speakout 8/10/2019
o Water is the big issue
• Farmer's Market at Parker School -> bad traffic
o Locals and tourists trying to turn into little parking lot market
Waimea Speakout 8/10/2019
keeps expanding but no parking
o Backs up traffic
• How do we protect Ag? Waimea Speakout 8/10/2019
• Capturing value for ag products and having infrastructure to Waimea Speakout 8/10/2019
attract business and development of ag products
• Promote economic development to encourage businesses
beyond resort-based economic centers Waimea Speakout 8/10/2019
o People need jobs in a diversity of sectors
25
County of Hawai'i Draft General Plan
2019 Public Comments on Economic & Opportunity Planning
Comment Source Date
• Repeal Jones Act Waimea Speakout 8/10/2019
Action: Community Food System Council (page 81)
agency Action: UH (UHH, HCC, CTAHR) training and development
programs; P-20 agriculture education initiative.
Policy 304: adding UH-Manca CTAHR training for new and existing
farmers, cottage industry (value added) businesses.
Suggested Addition: Support HIFA to develop a food system policy
council.
Suggested Addition: State DOA: Develop and support Farm to
Institution programs (e.g., prisons, hospitals). Rational: While the
State DOA hasn't filled Farm-Institution positions it remains a priority
of their Department.
Agency Action 3.33 (State DOA): Expand this beyond taro production
to include edible canoe crops (ulu, uala, mamaki, maia, etc.).
Action 3.27 (regional food system assessments): Suggested
rewording to: Design and conduct regional community food-system
assessments that are easy to update. Rationale: An assessment
format needs to be designed that is based on available data so they
can be updated with some ease and not too much time/$ perhaps
every 5 years. If data is not readily available that is useful for such an
assessment, a means of collecting that data must be devised
alongside this Action item.
Policy 314/317: Is there a need to define "local food system" and
"community-based food system"? Should there be an action item
accompanying this policy that draws on community to map and
define the County's food systems and creates a Hawaii County
Community Food System Plan?
Action 3.17 (tax reduction programs): Consider extending tax
incentives to subsistence producers/small-scale farmers with those
classes of producers defined.
26
County of Hawai'i Draft General Plan
2019 Public Comments on Economic & Opportunity Planning
Comment Source Date
Suggested Policy: Support the development of the local seed
industry. Rationale: Hawaii Seed Growers Network has 2 growers
(Nancy Redfeather and Michelle Carrilo) on island that grow and sell
locally adapted seed via an online website and their membership is
growing. Additionally Jill Wagner and the Hawaii Island Seed Bank
stores seed for all the Network growers statewide
(https://www.hawaiiseedgrowersnetwork.comD
Policy 307 (incentivize small scale farming): It seems odd to mention
taro production vs all (or just edible) canoe crops; there is the need
to define "small-scale farming/small farms" -is it defined by land area
and/or sales? Does it include subsistence?
Action: Education/training for farm and small businesses. (page 81)
Agency Action: What about other import replacement crops?
27